Chapter 96: Mercer’s Retaliation

The moment the news broke, the city erupted.

Mercer's empire had survived countless attacks before, but this was different. This wasn't a minor inconvenience. This was a direct hit.

And Mercer wasn't the type to take a hit without striking back.

The Counterattack Begins

Inside the safe house, Isabella and her team monitored the fallout. News stations were flooded with reports, journalists digging deeper into Mercer's finances, politicians scrambling to distance themselves.

But then, Claire's laptop beeped. A red warning flashed across the screen.

"Someone's trying to breach our system," she said, her voice tense. "And they're good."

Alexander stepped forward. "Mercer?"

Claire nodded. "He's not wasting time."

Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Let him try. We're better."

But before Claire could counter the attack, the power flickered. Then, the screens went black.

A second later, Isabella's phone buzzed.

Unknown Number. One new message.

She opened it, already knowing who it was from.

You think you've won? You have no idea what's coming. – Mercer

Isabella's grip tightened on the phone. He was coming for them.

She looked at her team. "We need to move. Now."

The Escape Plan

Within minutes, they were packing up. The safe house was compromised—staying meant giving Mercer a target.

Alexander handed Isabella a gun. "We should assume he's sending people after us."

She took it without hesitation. "Let him. He's just proving how desperate he is."

Damian threw on his jacket. "Where to?"

Isabella exhaled. "We go dark. Regroup. And then? We end this."

Because Mercer had made his move.

Now, it was their turn.