ir tension was a mix of new knowledge and lingering mistrust. Avery's

office doors opened. Avery nodded, pus

steps. Lucas handled the filing cabinets while Avery went straight to Vance's computer. The

ers. Her eyes widened as she read the documents-financial data, encrypted messages, and what seemed to be pl

approaching footsteps filled the air. They sprang into action. Avery took photos of the docume

she saw Professor Elena Russo following him. Elena, speaking urgently instead of he

"The paperwork is safe. Once we sta

ks. Whatever was happening, it was clear that the sides in th

d to Lucas, "Trust me." She stood up and stepped into view, han

y disarmed him quickly. Elena's eyes darted between Avery and

tone steady. "I

ake a deep breath?" Elena said

e sofa, looking betrayed. "You're working

t you think. We're playing a long game

usted his jacket. "Who are you peop

say we're very interested parties. Now, tel

aughed suddenly. "Ah, Avery, you are indeed yo

ade her shiver. "Based on what my father thinks, it seems a fam

y, her eyes widening. "Has Marcus spo

We trusted you, Elena. The Chimera was supposed

can't destroy a system so deeply rooted from the outside.

"Our schedule is tight, even if this spy drama is fascinating. Ta

computer. "Your fingers will be the next t

moment. Vance then raised his hands, backing a

u have two minutes to explain why we shoul

rm will be painful. But it's necessary to highlight the flaws in the world fina

any people will suffer in the meantime

irm. "Sometimes sacrifices mus

eeded to be stopped. But she paused, remembering what her father taught her about seeing the bigger picture. "What

e you two. To be honest, we need checks and balances, and reliable people.

Lucas and saw her own struggle reflected in his eyes. Bef

ng in the doorway with a revolver. Behind him stood Avery

very felt a chill. "Don't you think it'

ly at risk, and Elena and Vance exchanged worried glances. Marcus's eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of a preda

e assessed the situation and looked for a way out. With Harper's gun

her. As Avery looked around the room at the tangled web of lies, betrayals, and shifting l

with their lives and perhaps the world economy at risk. One thing was clear