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."

you had said," the operative continued. "They're disguising themselves as authority figures in

that he had watched his grandfather admit to using the police on video. His grandfather was pulling

with steely. 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 the

shoulders and strode from the command center, his

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grandfather, to put an end

blanketed Star City. Richard's Dark Hand operatives fought with a cold, ruthless efficiency, their training and discipline proving more than a match for the rag-tag assemblage of hired guns and co-opted

the smoke cleared and the last of the hostile forces lay subdued, Richard surveyed

much larger conflict. It seemed the old man was not stubborn for nothing.

nod to his lieutenants, he turned on his heel and made his way back toward the command center, his mind already churning with contingencies and countermeasures. The battle for Star City

his grandfather so famous, he will not be

Agents arrived at night. They worked for the government. Richard had contacts with the army and had

was done, the general asked him what he should do. To this Richard smiled and told him to let the public know. Richard was ready to release the video of his grandfather and those government

moment the video and the news of the arrest hit

had exploded because

Meanwhile, life continued.

halt before the wrought-iron gates of the prestigious private academy, its tinted windows concealing the identity of its occupant. Soon, a

approached the main entrance of the kindergarten. He was not