The chaos in the Crystal Ballroom had stabilized into a surreal, terrifying order. The mercenaries were zip-tied in rows, the board members were huddled in corners, and the Shadow Legion—their faces hidden behind matte-black visors—moved with the silent, lethal grace of predators.
Ares stood amidst the debris, his presence a gravitational pull that drew every fearful eye in the room. He turned his gaze toward Vanguard, who stood ready at the entrance.
"The building is locked down, Commander," Vanguard reported, his voice crisp. "Military police have secured the perimeter. We have Julian and Hans in holding."
"Execute the final sequence," Ares commanded. His voice was steady, the authority of a sovereign. "I want every offshore account, every shell company, and every personal asset linke
