Chapter 5 - The Final Confrontation
The warehouse was a cathedral of high-end technology. Racks of servers hummed with a sound like a swarm of angry bees. In the center of the room, Marcus Vale stood, not with a gun, but with a tablet.
"Welcome," Marcus said, his voice echoing through the vast space. "You’ve come to the end of the line. The files are uploading to the press, to the police, and to every contact you have. By morning, you’ll be the most notorious family in the state."
"And what about the boy?" Eliza demanded, stepping out from behind the crates. "The one you stole. Where is he?"
Marcus smiled, a cold, empty expression. He tapped the tablet, and a door behind him opened. A boy, almost identical to Oliver in height and build, stepped out. He looked vacant, his eyes wide and unseeing, wearing a digital interface headset.
"He’s been raised to be the perfect reflection of everything you weren't, Damian," Marcus whispered. "He is the product of your 'legacy'."
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Damian didn't hesitate. He lunged, not for Marcus, but for the main power breaker on the wall. A massive spark showered the room in white light as the power to the server farm died. Total darkness engulfed the room.
The sound of gunfire erupted—random, panicked shots. Eliza didn't hide. She used the light of her phone to navigate toward the boy, finding him huddled in the corner. She grabbed him, shielding him as she pulled him toward the exit.
