Location: Nora's Private Medical Wing – Tavara City
The following morning, the air was tense in the medical wing beneath Kane Tower. Nora had locked herself in the lab for hours, pouring over data and modifying formulas. Her once-pristine lab coat was now streaked with ink and sterile powder.
Damien entered quietly. He didn't announce himself—he never had to.
She sensed him before he spoke.
"You didn't sleep," he said.
She didn't look up. "Didn't want to. There's too much to process."
Damien approached slowly, eyes scanning the wall of charts, red-string connections, and gene maps. "About your parents?"
Nora exhaled, her voice calm, but cold. "They gave everything to get me out. And now I know why I was hunted like a weapon." Her fingers hovered over a glass vial of neural inhibitors. "Black Helix didn't just want me—they created me."
Damien stood beside her. "You're not their creation. You're the woman who rewrote the world's medical codes and broke systems meant to enslave you."
Nora finally looked up. "But it's not just about who I am. It's about what's coming next. Damien, the storm won't wait. We need to strike first."
He nodded. "That's already in motion."
---
Location: Kane Family War Room – 47th Floor
Damien, Trevor, Elira, Nora, and Victor gathered around a 3D map, glowing blue and red with real-time intelligence.
Elira pointed to a blinking red dot in South Tavara. "Helix operatives are holding a summit here in two days. We've traced connections to the Varkov Syndicate. International arms dealers. They're planning something massive."
Trevor frowned. "That area is off limits to military raids. Any action there would be flagged as domestic terrorism."
Damien's jaw tightened. "Then we won't send an army. We'll send a message."
Victor zoomed in on the compound. "Black Helix believes they're untouchable on Tavaran soil. We change that narrative."
Nora crossed her arms. "Let me go."
The room fell silent.
"I've operated on enemies with guns to my head. I've infiltrated deeper than any of your agents," she said. "They won't expect me."
Damien stepped forward, eyes burning. "No."
"Why not?" she asked, voice level.
"Because this time, they want you. And I won't risk you walking into their trap."
She held his gaze. "You'll have to trust me. Like I trusted you when you disappeared for four years and came back a ghost with an empire."
The tension cracked the room.
Finally, Damien spoke. "You'll have backup. Rachel and Victor go with you. Silent entry only. You find their plans, locate their leads, and get out. No heroics."
Nora smiled slightly. "Agreed. No heroics."
---
Location: South Tavara – Underground Helix Base (Surveillance View)
Two nights later, a black SUV parked quietly near an abandoned textile factory.
Inside, Nora secured a small transmitter in her ear, adjusted her coat, and stepped out. The shadows welcomed her like an old friend.
As she walked into the lion's den, her voice echoed faintly over the comms.
"Let's show them that the Kane family isn't the only name to fear anymore."