They're coming

The silence in the room was thick with tension. Mia's pulse pounded in her ears as she watched Dr. Langston hesitate. Whatever she was about to reveal, it would change everything.

Alexander's patience snapped. "Enough games. If you know who's behind Paragon, tell us now."

Langston exhaled and picked up a tablet, swiping through encrypted files. A moment later, she turned the screen toward them. A list of names appeared—powerful figures from the political, corporate, and military worlds.

Victor's eyes widened. "These are global leaders. People with enough power to reshape entire economies."

Langston nodded. "Marco was just the face of the operation. The real masterminds are still out there, and they won't stop just because he's gone."

Mia's throat felt dry. "And what do they want with me?"

Langston's gaze softened. "You're proof that Project Paragon worked. A living testament to their success. If they control you, they control the future."

Alexander pulled Mia even closer, his muscles coiled with barely restrained fury. "That will never happen."

Langston's lips curled into a small smile. "Then you'll need to be ready for what comes next."

A sudden beep from Victor's laptop made everyone jump. He checked the screen, his face hardening. "We have a problem. Someone just tried to breach our system."

Alexander moved instantly, scanning the room. "How close?"

Victor's fingers flew over the keyboard. "They're not just watching. They know we have this intel." He cursed under his breath. "They're coming."

Mia's stomach twisted. "How much time do we have?"

Victor checked the security feeds. "Not long. We need to move."

Alexander turned to Langston. "You're coming with us."

She smirked. "Wasn't planning on staying."

Mia swallowed her fear. If the people behind Paragon wanted her, they wouldn't stop until they had her. But she wasn't the same woman she had been months ago. She wasn't just running anymore.

She was ready to fight.