Myy Sister-in-Law Mocked Me as "Cheap Trash" and "Nothing but Dead Weight." Then, in the Middle of Her Wedding Reception, She Claimed Her Million-Dollar Diamond Ring Had Been Stolen—and Ordered Everyone to Search Me.1

Grace moved to the digital projection table, bringing up a detailed schematic of the massive Ashford Tower in the center of the city financial district. The building was a fortress of glass and steel, heavily guarded by Julian’s elite private security forces.

"The night of the hospital fire," Grace began, her voice steady and commanding, "Emily, the third caretaker, and I coordinated a simultaneous extraction. We set the incendiary charges in the basement laboratory to destroy Malcolm’s genetic research."

"But something went wrong," Laura guessed, leaning over the table.

"The third caretaker was intercepted in the west wing," Grace explained, a shadow of deep regret crossing her face. "Malcolm's security forces caught her before she could reach the rendezvous point. She was killed, and Julian was taken back to Malcolm. Emily and I had to run to save you and Leo."

"Malcolm told Julian that his parents died in a tragic fire," Theodore added, resting his hands on his cane. "He raised the boy with a fabricated history, feeding his anger and pointing it exactly where Malcolm needed a weapon."

"Julian’s loyalty is built on a massive lie," Vivienne said, staring at the blueprints of the tower. "If we can show him the truth, his loyalty will shatter."

"That is the primary objective," Grace agreed, typing a command into the console. The blueprints zoomed in on the penthouse executive suite. "Malcolm will be here, finalizing the offshore asset transfers. Julian will be guarding the primary access elevator on the eightieth floor."

"The tower's security grid is impenetrable," Samuel noted, crossing his arms. "Biometric scanners, armed patrols, and a closed-loop camera system. We can't just walk in the front door."

"We don't need to," Theodore smiled, a dangerous glint in his eye. "I spent twenty years building the security architecture for Malcolm's empire before he betrayed me. I deliberately installed a hardware backdoor in the subterranean parking garage. I can blind the cameras and disable the elevators for exactly ten minutes."

"Ten minutes is all we need," Richard stated, pulling a tactical vest from Leo's duffel bag and strapping it on. "Samuel and I will breach the lobby and create a massive kinetic diversion. We draw the security patrols down to the ground floor."

"While we keep them busy, Vivienne and Leo will take the service elevator to the eightieth floor," Laura outlined, checking the magazine of her sidearm. "I will escort you. We confront Julian before Malcolm even knows we are in the building."