A bruised sky loomed over the coastline as the storm rolled in. Flashes of lightning split the horizon, followed by low rumbles that echoed through Gu Jinci's seaside villa. The old stone walls creaked, and wind-driven rain hammered the tall windows. Inside, Lin Anran clutched Su Jian'an to her chest, eyes wide as thunder boomed.
They'd fled Gu Tower under cover of night. When masked intruders ransacked her apartment—scattering blueprints, smashing electronics—Anran didn't hesitate. She'd grabbed her son, the forged passports, and the single duffel of essentials, then called Gu for extraction. He'd arrived, storm clouds swirling in his wake, and driven them here.
Gu appeared in the doorway of the great hall, coat damp, hair plastered to his forehead. His gaze swept the grand foyer, then
