The Truth Unveiled

Mia felt like she couldn't breathe. Her mind screamed for her to look away from the screen, but her body refused to move.

The man—her real father—continued speaking.

"I never wanted this for you, Mia. Your mother and I fought to keep you safe, to hide you from those who sought to use you. But I fear my time is running out, and the shadows I tried to shield you from have found their way back."

Alexander's jaw clenched as he watched Mia tremble. He held her hand, grounding her as she absorbed the shocking revelation.

Elias Vaughn's face was lined with regret. "Project Genesis was never meant to exist. It was a dangerous dream—a vision of the perfect human, a leader bred for greatness. But the people funding it… they didn't care about you as a person. They saw you as a weapon. That's why we had to run."

Mia's heartbeat thundered in her ears.

Elias swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion. "Your mother, Evelyn… she didn't make it. We were separated, and I was forced into hiding. I tried to find a way back to you, but the Kingstons were your best chance at a normal life." He took a deep breath. "I know you must be angry, confused. But you need to listen carefully. Marco wasn't just after power—he was after you."

Victor's fingers flew across the keyboard. "There's an attachment," he muttered. A new file opened, revealing old research notes, DNA sequences, and references to something called Project Paragon.

Elias continued. "Marco was a failed candidate. He wanted what you are. Your DNA… it's the key. And if he gets his hands on it, the world as you know it will change."

Mia stepped back, shaking her head. "No. This isn't real. It can't be."

Alexander's grip tightened. "We need to find Elias."

Victor ran a trace on the video's metadata. "This was recorded a month ago. The location is encrypted, but I can crack it." He looked at Mia. "If your father is still alive, we can find him."

Mia's breath hitched. "And if we're too late?"

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Then we finish what he started. We stop Marco, once and for all."