The library was cavernous, its walls swallowed by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Steve stood with his back pressed against the wall, the quiet of the room wrapping around him. He was in his early twenties, but his posture carried a heavy weight.
"I received a message from Victor," Steve said, his voice cutting through the silence. He looked over at the man occupying the center of the room. "They've landed in California."
Jake lay stretched out on the couch, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
"What do you think about this summit?" Steve asked.
Jake took a slow, deep breath. "Who knows."
Nodding, Steve turned and began walking toward the door.
"Leaving so soon?" Jake called out, not moving an inch. "Why don't you stay for tea?"
Steve paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Aren't you coming to meet him?"
Jake offered no reply.
"Victor and I will be accompanying him as his bodyguards," Steve added, pushing for a reaction.
Jake finally nodded, his gaze shifting. "This summit is just a display of friendship between the rich." He closed his eyes, shutting out the room.
"So, it's all about business," Steve summarized.
"Something like that," Jake murmured. "But something different, too."
"I will take my leave, then." Steve turned back to the door. But just as his hand reached the handle, Jake's voice rang out again, sharper this time.
"Many wealthy people are attending. The threat of an attack has never been higher."
Steve didn't turn around. "I know."
"The military general himself is attending," Jake continued, his tone dropping. "And he brought his most trusted friend with him. Along with that friend comes his most trusted secret squadron."
Steve froze, turning back to face Jake. "What are you trying to say?"
"Stay safe," Jake said simply.
Steve stared at him for a moment, nodded, and finally left the room. Left alone, Jake leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His expression remained entirely calm, but in the reflection of his grey eyes, the endless rows of bookshelves seemed to stretch on forever.
The peaceful day bled into evening, and the hour of the summit drew close.
In Canada, Madison sat in front of the television, sitting next to her grandfather. A warm smile touched the old man's face as he spoke with her.
"Grandpa, what exactly will Yuri do at that summit?" Madison asked, looking up. "She might feel nervous."
Grandpa chuckled softly. "Well, she is tougher than you think, sweetheart. If anything, she's the one who makes others nervous. And even if things do get out of control, someone else is there."
"Who?"
"Your father."
Madison blinked. "My father?" She looked closely at her grandfather, trying to read his expression. "But what is the summit actually about?"
"It was arranged by the American government," Grandpa explained. "Many of the most influential people from all around the world will be attending. Your father is the chairman of this entire empire, Madison. Yuri only holds control in this country."
Madison softened, studying his face. "Grandpa... you really care about my father, don't you?"
Grandpa nodded slowly, taking a deep, heavy breath. "Parents always care about their children. Except for some truly twisted people."
Back in California, the streets were alive with authority. A convoy of military vehicles cut through the traffic, making its way toward the summit's location.
From the window of his vehicle, Ethan watched the expensive cars and armored transports roll past.
A strange wave of déjà vu hit him. Why does this feel so familiar? he thought, his chest tightening. Like I've been in one of these military cars before, gazing outside at the world just like this... Ethan smiled, ...now I understand.
"The military is here strictly for security," Yuri said, breaking his train of thought. "The Military General will be arriving shortly."
Ethan nodded silently.
"There are massive risks of an attack," Yuri continued, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "An incident would ruin this country's international image. That is the only reason the military is deploying this much force."
"And after the summit?" Ethan asked.
"We leave directly and secretly."
Ethan nodded again. "Because someone might be waiting for us."
"Exactly," Yuri said, a grim edge to her voice. "Last time, Madison was attacked when she crossed borders. If Allen hadn't been there, she would have been kidnapped."
Ethan turned from the window. "Then immediately after the summit, you should change your clothes. We should swap vehicles, too."
"I was thinking the same thing," Yuri agreed.
Ethan turned back to the glass, watching the neon lights of California blur past. It looks like I won't be seeing Jake anymore, he thought.
Soon, the convoy pulled up to the grand entrance of the Royal Platform Building. Ethan stepped out into the crisp evening air and smoothly opened the door for Yuri. Behind them, Julian, Antonio, Noah, and Ben exited their vehicle, forming a tight perimeter.
Ethan scanned the area. The security wasn't just tight—it was a fortress. Military tanks lined the block. Signal-jamming vehicles capable of neutralizing remote bombs sat at the intersections, flanked by heavily armored trucks mounted with miniguns.
Ethan's eyes lingered on the hardware. He knew exactly what every single one of those machines could do. In fact, he had seen far more impressive military tech than this in his life.
The guards at the main entrance saluted and greeted Yuri respectfully as she approached. As they crossed the threshold, a formal escort stepped forward to lead them to the grand summit room.
Yuri wore a mask. She handed one to Ethan.
The rest of the security detail halted at the perimeter, they also wore masks, but Ethan stepped through the heavy doors right behind her.