The Puppet Master’s Plan

The golden sun dipped low over Hanoi, casting long shadows across the city's storied streets. The capital hummed with tension as an impending summit loomed. Foreign diplomats arrived in droves, their sleek convoys gliding past ancient pagodas and gleaming skyscrapers. Hanoi pulsed with anticipation—but beneath the polished surface, a darker game was being played.

In the heart of the city, Nguyen sat in his penthouse office, overlooking the vast urban sprawl. The skyline, bathed in the last light of day, seemed peaceful. But Nguyen knew better. Behind that serenity, the city teetered on the brink of chaos—and he was the one pulling the strings.