The chamber fell silent.
The red emergency lights painted the underground archive in flashes of crimson.
The silver-haired man stepped forward with measured confidence.
The armed guards remained behind him, weapons lowered but ready.
He smiled.
"Allow me to introduce myself."
"My name is Adrian Mercer."
"I was William Ashford's closest friend."
Benjamin's expression hardened.
"No."
"I knew William's closest friends."
"I've never seen you before."
Mercer's smile didn't fade.
"That is because William spent the last twenty years making sure no one ever would."
Anthony moved subtly in front of Evelyn.
"If you came for the Genesis files, you're too late."
Mercer's eyes shifted to the black folder in Anthony's hands.
"I know exactly what you're holding."
"And I also know you ha
