Chapter 97: Into the Shadows

The city streets blurred past as Isabella and her team disappeared into the night. Mercer had forced their hand—but he had no idea what he had just unleashed.

Vanishing Act

They switched vehicles twice, ensuring they weren't being followed. Alexander drove, his jaw tight with focus. Claire worked furiously on her laptop, rerouting their digital footprint.

"No trace of us left," she murmured. "We're ghosts now."

Ethan chuckled from the backseat. "Ghosts that are about to haunt Mercer's every move."

Isabella sat beside Alexander, gripping the gun he had given her. Going dark was the right move, but it wouldn't last forever. Mercer would be searching for them. And when he found them, they had to be ready.

Regrouping

They arrived at a secluded safe house on the outskirts of the city—one of Damian's many off-the-grid locations. A run-down warehouse on the outside, a fortified bunker within.

Alexander scanned the perimeter. "This will do for now."

Inside, they spread out. Claire set up new security systems. Ethan checked their weapons. Damian stocked supplies. Isabella ran a hand through her hair, exhaling.

Alexander stepped beside her. "You're thinking about your next move."

She glanced at him. "I'm thinking about how to make sure Mercer doesn't get another one."

His lips curved. "Good. Because I have an idea."

The Next Strike

Damian rejoined them, dropping a file on the table. "Mercer's scrambling. He's pulling his resources back, trying to control the damage."

Isabella's eyes scanned the documents. His operations were weaker than ever.

She smirked. "Then we hit him where it hurts the most."

Ethan grinned. "I like where this is going."

Claire nodded. "If we take down his financial backbone, the rest of his empire crumbles."

Alexander leaned forward. "Then let's make sure he doesn't have a single safe place left."

The first attack had rocked Mercer. The next one would bring him to his knees.

And this time, there would be no escape.