"We have arrived," the driver announced, his voice snapping Ethan back to the present.
Ethan blinked, the sterile, medicinal tang of the hospital fading as the rich scent of the car's leather took over. Pushing his lingering thoughts aside, he stepped out and held the door for Yuri. The rest of the team followed seconds later, their tactical boots crunching rhythmically on the gravel of the gated estate.
Ethan scanned the horizon. The mansions here weren't just homes; they were fortresses—a gated society built for the world's elite. He had never felt more like an outsider.
As they approached the villa, the massive front doors swung open to reveal a woman who carried herself with the same effortless poise as Yuri.
"Good evening, Yuri," the woman said, her voice smooth.
"It's good to see you again, Clara," Yuri replied.
"Please, come in."
Clara led the way, flanked by bodyguards who gripped their assault rifles with practiced ease. Ethan's eyes moved instinctively, cataloging the snipers on the rooftops and the high-end surveillance mesh covering every angle.
"Julian, there are too many cameras," Noah whispered, his voice barely audible.
Julian gave a curt nod. "This woman is the daughter of one of the few men who truly owns the world. His words can destabilize a country with a single phone call."
While Antonio, Ben, and Noah took a moment to process the sheer scale of the power they were standing in, Ethan remained impassive. One of the few, he thought. That means there are others like him.
The interior was a masterclass in excessive wealth—art and technology blended so seamlessly that even a mouse couldn't have breached the perimeter without triggering an alarm. Ethan kept his expression neutral, his focus sharp.
In the living room, Clara gestured for Yuri to take a seat on the velvet sofa. Ethan and the team formed a silent wall behind her.
"Yuri, are you here as a representative of—" Clara began, then paused, letting the implication hang.
"I am here representing my father and grandfather," Yuri clarified.
Clara nodded slowly. "I remember when your grandfather handed half the empire to your father to manage the Canadian interests, while Madison's father took the overseas holdings."
A servant arrived with a tray, offering Yuri a glass of chilled mango juice. She accepted it with a graceful smile. The servant then leaned toward Clara, whispering, "Should I bring something for the guards?"
Clara glanced at the men and nodded.
"Clara, will you be attending the summit?" Yuri asked.
"I doubt it. My father will be there in person." Clara's gaze drifted past Yuri, settling on Ethan. "A remarkably young bodyguard. He looks like he should still be in high school."
"He's a new addition," Yuri said, her smile widening. "But incredibly talented."
Clara's eyebrows rose in silent appraisal. "He was recommended personally by Jake," Yuri added.
The name hit Clara like a physical shock. She leaned forward, her eyes locked on Ethan. "You're a friend of his?"
"He's my senior at school," Ethan replied, his voice steady and respectful. Behind him, he felt the rest of the team stiffen in surprise.
The servant returned, offering juice to the guards. Julian glanced at Yuri for confirmation; she gave a subtle nod. "She is my friend. You can trust her hospitality."
Clara smiled thinly. "Your men are observant, Yuri. I like that."
"They are professionals," Yuri said. "Any one of them could dismantle a trained squad single-handedly."
Clara's gaze lingered on Ethan, a spark of challenge in her eyes. "In that case, Yuri, shall we test that claim? A friendly spar?"
Yuri looked at Julian, who offered a confident smirk. He turned to Ethan, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod.
"Very well," Julian said.
They moved to the underground training facility—a cavernous space of steel and mats.
Julian patted Ethan's shoulder as they reached the center. "You've got this."
Ethan stepped forward, loosening his tie and pulling it off in one smooth motion. From the opposite side, one of Clara's elite security detail stepped out, his frame heavy with muscle.
He looked at Ethan, and observed him. Ethan was calm.