Elias looked up from the laptop as the door creaked open. Nathan stepped in quietly, a folder in hand, his expression grave.
"Nathan's already intercepted suspicious messages," Elias said without lifting his eyes from the screen. "We have operatives inside Lucas's circle, but they're treading carefully."
Nathan nodded. "They're tracking a new shipment—could be arms, could be cash. If we move now, we risk blowing our cover."
Adeline's father leaned forward, voice tight but steady. "Then we wait—but we prepare a contingency. If Lucas catches wind, he'll retaliate fiercely."
Adeline met Elias's gaze. "We have to protect the people around us—especially those who don't know what's coming."
Elias closed the laptop gently and looked at them both. "Nathan will set up secure safe houses. No one moves without clearance."
A sharp knock rattled the doorframe. A nurse's voice called through, "Mr. Waylen, you have a call—unknown number. It's urgent."
Elias's jaw tightened. "They're already testing us."
Adeline swallowed hard, the tension thickening the air. "This is worse than we thought."
Her father clenched the bed rail, voice fierce. "Then we make sure Lucas knows—he's the one cornered now."
Nathan stepped forward, eyes burning with resolve. "I'll arrange everything for what's next. We won't give him an inch."
Elias nodded, voice steady and cold. "This isn't revenge. It's about taking back control."
They shared a silent understanding—ready to face the storm that was coming.