The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 187

Chapter 187: Dead or alive.

A bitter smile twisted Samuel's face as he gazed out over the sprawling cityscape. "You can't hide from me forever, boy," he muttered, his words laced with a cold, simmering menace." One way or another, I'll tear down your walls and reclaim what is rightfully mine."

***

Deep within the heart of Star City, the compound that served as the headquarters for Richard Madison's private security force, the Dark Hand, hummed with activity. In the command center, a bank of monitors flickered with real-time surveillance feeds, their glowing displays casting an eerie pall over the room.

Richard paced before the main screen, his brow furrowed in deep concentration as he studied the latest intelligence reports. The failed incursion by his grandfather's mercenaries had been a costly miscalculation, but one that had ultimately played into his hands. "Sir, we've received word from our operatives at the city limits," a gruff-voiced lieutenant announced, stepping forward with a datapad in hand. "The hostiles have been secured and are en route to the holding facility for processing." Richard nodded, his jaw set in a grim line. "Good See that they're kept isolated from one another. I want to interrogate them myself and find out exactly who they're working for."

The lieutenant dipped his head in acknowledgment before turning on his heel and striding from the room, barking orders into a handheld radio.

Alone once more, Richard turned his attention back to the monitors, his gaze drawn to the live feed from one of the city's main thoroughfares. The streets were eerily deserted, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle that characterized Star City's pulsing heart. A heavy frown creased Richard's face as he studied the vacant streets, his mind racing. He

knew his grandfather would not back down so easily, not after the humiliating defeat of his initial strike force. Samuel Madison was a man accustomed to getting his way, no matter the cost-a truth Richard had learned all too well over the ver years.

As if on cue, a soft chime emanated from the console before him, signaling an incoming transmission. With a few deft keystrokes, Richard accepted the call, and the flickering visage of one of his remote operators materialized on the screen.

"Mr. Madison, we have a situation developing at the eastern perimeter," the operative reported, his voice filled with urgency. "Multiple hostile forces are attempting to breach the city limits, and they're not alone." Richard felt his heart rate spike, adrenaline surging through his veins. "Explain."

coastal guard units just as you had said," the operative continued. "They're disguising themselves as authority figures in an attempt to slip past our

too well. And it did not help that he had watched his grandfather admit to using the police on video. His grandfather

determination. "No one gets in or out of this city without my express permission. And have a containment team standing by-I have a feeling we're going to need them." As the operative's image winked out, Richard turned his attention to

center, his footfalls echoing like a death knell through

3/5

fight to his grandfather, to put an end to Samuel Madison's

ran red as the two forces clashed the echoes of gunfire and the screams of the wounded shattering the eerie calm that had blanketed Star City. Richard's Dark

the last of the hostile forces lay subdued, Richard surveyed

latest ploy had been thwarted, but he knew this was merely the opening dance in-a much larger conflict. It seemed the old man was not stubborn for nothing. Eve, after failing to capture Emma, still thought to do it

way back toward the command center, his mind already churning with contingencies and countermeasures. The battle for Star City had been won,

famous, he will not be able to explain himself. He could not help but feel pleased by

expected. Agents arrived at night. They worked for the government.

time he was done, the general asked him what he should do. To this Richard smiled and told him to let

news of the arrest hit the news,

internet had exploded because

Meanwhile, life continued.

the wrought-iron gates of the prestigious private academy, its tinted windows concealing

of the kindergarten. He was not sure why he had come. But he