Page 419 of Black Reign

Then—

there.

Not identical.

A descendant.

Modernized.

Wrapped in newer encryption, but built from the same root trust chain.

I chase it.

Current ARGUS penetration.

Shell infrastructure.

Contractor payments.

The company that funded the men who took me.

Same underlying authority.

My stomach turns.

“He hired them.”

Senior finally speaks.

“You can't prove the payment belongs to him.”

“Not yet.”

I glance at Xavier.

“Give me current outgoing security infrastructure.”

His father says, “Absolutely not.”

I don't even look at him.

“Xavier.”

“Granted.”

“Xavier.”

He turns toward his father.

“You're done saying no.”

Silence.

Then he looks back at me.

“Find him.”

Something in his voice sends a chill across my skin.