Chapter 32:Shattered Illusions

The ride back to the safe house was silent, punctuated only by the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of static over the comms. 

Emily sat across from Gustav Rook, her eyes locked on his every movement. Even bound and bloodied, he exuded an air of quiet menace. 

His dark suit was torn, the white shirt beneath stained crimson, yet his posture remained upright—defiant.

Damien sat beside her, his rifle resting across his lap. 

His eyes flicked between Rook and the windows, scanning for any sign of pursuit.

"You're awfully quiet," Emily said, breaking the tense silence.

Rook smirked, the corner of his mouth curling upward. "I'm just enjoying the ride.

 After all, it's not every day you get chauffeured by the people trying to destroy you."

Emily leaned forward, her voice low and icy. "You think this is a game? We have everything—your files, your network, your people. It's over."