CHAPTER 34: Betrayer's Signal

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Chapter 34: Betrayer's Signal

Zurich, midnight.

Rina stood alone on the rooftop of the summit building, the soulprint device in her palm. One switch, and her mind would go live—broadcasting proof she was real.

Behind her, Lena approached silently.

"We have to be sure," Rina whispered.

Lena nodded. "We will."

But her voice sounded… off.

Too calm. Too practiced.

Rina's eyes flicked down. Lena's hand—bandaged. But she hadn't been injured earlier.

"Where's the real Lena?" Rina asked softly.

The imposter's eyes narrowed.

"You're sharp."

She struck.

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Below, the building's systems crashed. Doors locked. Power gone.

Savannah, Elowen, and Eliot—trapped inside.

"EMP burst," Elowen said. "That wasn't random. Someone inside triggered it."

Savannah checked her device. "Rina's not answering."

Eliot clenched his fists. "We've been infiltrated."

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On the rooftop, Rina fought hard. But the fake Lena was stronger than she should've been.

Enhanced.

Programmed.

"I'm not here to kill you," the imposter said, dodging a blade. "I'm here to replace you."

"You'll never be me," Rina growled—and activated her pulse dagger.

With one precise strike, she sliced through the synthetic's spine.

The imposter twitched, then collapsed.

And the signal device in Rina's hand began to glow.

Active.

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Back in the control room, the soulprint net surged to life.

> Global identity verification in progress…

Subject Rina Kane: 100% Authentic

Savannah gasped. "She did it."

But Eliot stared at the monitors.

"Then why," he whispered, "is there another Rina walking through the main entrance right now?"

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Author's Note:

One Rina sent the signal. Another just walked in. Who's real… and who's not? If your trust just shattered, add Billionaire in Disguise to your collection. Each one brings us closer to the truth. Thank you for staying with us.

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