Elena called the full operational team together that afternoon, briefing them on Lindqvist's arrest and her claims about research continuing beyond what they'd already compromised. The atmosphere in the conference room was considerably less celebratory than previous victories.
"She's manipulating us," Priya said flatly. "Trying to make us believe her network's more extensive than it actually is, creating urgency that might cloud our judgment."
"Possibly," Agent Reyes acknowledged. "But we can't afford to dismiss the possibility she's telling the truth either."
Dr. Chen, having joined remotely despite the late hour, asked the practical question everyone was considering. "What happens to the institute now? Do we continue operating under current protocols, or do we restructure entirely bas
