"System access granted. Protocol initialization sequence requires biological verification."
Carlos slid a polished, jet-black device across the vault's authentication console toward Alex. Its surface gleamed with embedded neural interfaces—technology decades beyond what the public knew existed. Not Rodriguez Corp's commercial offerings but something far more advanced, developed in laboratories whose existence violated international regulations.
"Place your hand on the surface," Carlos instructed, his regal composure momentarily giving way to paternal concern. "It will establish neural resonance with your implant."
Four minutes until security breach. Three minutes, fifty-eight seconds until the Rodriguez legacy would be forever redefined. A heartbeat of hesitation as Alex looked to So
