Marco’s father

Mia sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting protectively over her growing belly. The weight of everything—Marco's legacy, Elias's warning, the unknown threat—pressed down on her like a heavy storm cloud. She thought it was over, that she and Alexander could finally have peace. But peace, it seemed, was an illusion.

Alexander stood by the window, his gaze locked on the darkness beyond their estate walls. The security was tighter than ever, but something told him that walls and guards wouldn't be enough this time. "We need to find Elias," he muttered. "If he's still alive, he's the only one who knows what's coming."

Victor's voice crackled through the intercom. "Alexander, we've traced Elias's last location. He was in an underground tunnel near the docks, but we lost him after that."

"Then we start there," Alexander said, already moving to grab his coat.

Mia grabbed his wrist. "I don't like this, Alexander. You're walking into another trap."

He softened, cupping her face in his hands. "I need to know the truth. For you. For our child."

She closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his. "Then promise me you'll come back."

"I promise."

The Docks – Midnight

The air was thick with the scent of salt and gasoline. Alexander, Victor, and a small team of trusted guards moved through the shadows, weapons ready. The underground tunnel entrance was hidden beneath an abandoned warehouse, the metal door hanging open as if someone had left in a hurry.

Alexander entered first, his instincts on high alert. The tunnel was damp, dimly lit by flickering overhead lights. Footsteps echoed ahead.

"Elias?" Alexander called.

A figure stumbled forward. It was Elias—injured, blood soaking his sleeve. "You… you have to listen to me." His voice was weak, but urgent.

Alexander stepped forward. "Who's behind this? Who's still after Mia?"

Elias coughed, leaning against the wall for support. "Marco was just a pawn. The real mastermind—the real creator of Project Paragon—he's still out there. He's been watching. Waiting."

Victor frowned. "Who?"

Elias's eyes darkened. "Marco's father."

A stunned silence filled the tunnel.

Alexander's grip tightened around his gun. "Marco told me his father was dead."

Elias let out a bitter laugh. "That's what he wanted you to believe."

Suddenly, a shot rang out. Elias gasped, his body jerking forward before crumpling to the ground.

Alexander turned sharply, his gun raised—only to see a dark figure disappearing into the shadows.

The real enemy had just revealed himself. And he wasn't done playing his game.