Chapter 94

Chapter 94 – Smoke and Mirrors

Ash and mist hung over the smoldering docks as dawn bled across the sky. Bai Xueqing pulled herself to her feet, her face streaked with soot. Mo Chen wiped blood from a shallow cut on his brow. Around them, dockworkers and police scrambled, sirens wailing like the cries of wounded beasts.

Lin Nuo rappelled down from his crane perch, landing lightly despite the chaos. "They set off a decoy explosion to cover their retreat. The Fox slipped out during the panic. They were always one step ahead."

Xueqing's eyes narrowed. "Not anymore."

---

At Bai Corp headquarters, a command center buzzed with activity. Maps of City A glowed on giant screens, tracking vehicles and cell signals. Xueqing paced, sharp eyes scanning every detail. "Where's the mole?" she demanded.

A knock interrupted. Meng Zhihao entered, leading a pale-faced junior accountant. "This is Zhang Rui," he said. "His bank account received five suspicious deposits traced back to a shell company owned by The Fox's network."

Zhang Rui trembled under Xueqing's stare. "I—I didn't know who it was! They offered money just to pass along shipment schedules."

Mo Chen stepped forward, his presence like a storm cloud. "You sold out your company—and nearly got your boss killed."

Zhang Rui collapsed to his knees. "I'm sorry! Please, don't—"

Xueqing silenced him with a raised hand. "Lin Nuo, take him to the security wing. We'll decide his fate once we catch The Fox."

---

Later that evening, the atmosphere in Xueqing's office was tense but electric. Mo Chen poured two glasses of wine, handing one to her. "You look like you could use it."

She accepted it but didn't drink. "We were so close today."

He touched her cheek gently, eyes soft despite the steel in his posture. "Close isn't enough. But I swear we'll end this."

Their eyes locked, a fierce understanding passing between them. For a moment, the weight of their war lifted, replaced by the quiet promise of something deeper.

Then Lin Nuo's voice burst through their earpieces. "Boss, we have something! Security camera at an old textile mill just pinged a match for The Fox's lieutenant."

Xueqing's lips curved in a feral smile. "Then it's time to smoke him out."