Wednesday evening in the command center felt like the aftermath of a glorious battle. The air was thick with the smell of expensive coffee and the sweet, electric scent of success. The final simulation had run perfectly—no glitches, no "pings," just 100% pure defensive efficiency.

"I’m glad our sleepless nights didn’t go to waste," Roman said, his voice husky but proud as he stood before the team. "The testing was a total success. Let’s all give a hand to our project leader, Owen Brooks."

The room erupted in applause. Even Sebastian, usually as stiff as a board, was clapping with a genuine grin.

"I couldn’t have done it without this team," Owen said, looking a little misty-eyed as he leaned against the server rack. "This is the best group of geniuses—and occasionally chaotic humans—I’ve ever worked with."

"I’m going to miss this," Julian admitted, glancing at Sophie. "After Friday’s official launch, I have to head back to the R&D center. It’s going to be way too quiet without you all."

"I have to return to the ministry," Sebastian added, "but I've already decided: we are not losing touch. This isn't just a work group anymore; we’re family."

"Exactly!" Sophie piped up. "Family who plans zero-workload vacations with mandatory beach cocktails. No laptops allowed!"

Roman laughed, pulling Macy closer to his side. "Agreed. But first, we have one final push. Most of you can relax tomorrow, but Sebastian, Julian, and I need to be at the office to finalize the security protocols for the government officials' visit on Friday."

Later that night, the world felt peaceful in Roman’s suite. Macy was curled up against Roman’s chest, the steady beat of his heart acting as a lullaby.

"I've learned so much on this trip," Macy whispered, tracing the line of his jaw. "You gave me a seat at the table, Roman. Not just as a PA, but as a partner. I’ll never forget this."

Roman kissed the top of her head. "You earned that seat, Macy. Macy asked curiously, What about our city office? And don't worry about the city office—I’ve set things up so it runs smoothly even when we’re away. Though," he teased, "I did check the logs a few times. I can't help being a micromanager."

Macy sat up, her eyes serious. "Any update on Christy?"

Roman’s expression dimmed slightly. "Nothing. We’ve been so deep in the code we haven't had time to look, and Sebastian's contacts say she's gone dark. She’s probably halfway to Europe by now, licking her wounds."

"I hope so," Macy murmured.

Roman pulled her back down, his eyes darkening with a different kind of intensity. "Forget about her. Tomorrow, you have a day off. What’s the plan?"

"Shopping!" Macy laughed. "That incentive bonus you gave me is burning a hole in my pocket. I’m going to buy out the mall."

Roman grinned, hands found her waist, pulling her slightly higher so they were eye-to-eye, leaning in to silence her with a kiss. "Enjoy it. You deserve every bit of it."

While the lovers slept, a dark sedan sat idling in a deserted alleyway. Inside, Blake was checking the cylinder of a revolver while Christy stared at a photo of Macy on her phone.

"Friday is the launch," Christy hissed. "What is the move, Blake? You said you’d handle it."

"They finished the testing today," Blake said, his voice cold. "I’ve been waiting for them to leave that fortress. Tomorrow, they’ll be relaxed. Off guard. And I’m going for the heart. I’m taking Macy."

Christy let out a jagged, sharp laugh. "Finally. Make her regret she ever met a Blackwood."

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly as Macy stepped out of a taxi at the city’s premier luxury mall. She felt light, free, and incredibly rich. Little did she know, a second taxi—driven by a man named Todd—was idling nearby, with Blake and Christy watching from a tinted vehicle a block away.

"There she is," Blake muttered into his headset. "Todd, stay sharp. She’ll come out with bags. You pick her up, and only her. Understand?"

"Copy that, boss," Todd replied.

Two hours later, Macy emerged from the mall, laden with high-end shopping bags. She raised her hand for a cab, and Todd’s taxi smoothly glided to the curb.

But as Macy reached for the door, two voices screamed her name.

"Macy! Wait for us!"

Sophie and Claire came sprinting out of the mall entrance, clutching their own bags. They all were inside the whole-time shopping together.

Todd froze. "Uh, boss? We have a problem. Two more targets just joined the primary."

"What?" Blake’s voice crackled with rage. "I said only Macy!"

"I can't just tell them to get lost! They're already opening the door!"

Macy smiled at Todd. "Hi! Can you take the three of us to the Beachside Resort?"

Todd shook his head frantically. "Sorry, ladies. I can only take one. Insurance reasons. Very strict."

"Insurance?" Sophie snapped, already shoving her bags into the trunk. "This car has five seats! We checked the manufacturing history of this model while we were waiting for the light—it's built for capacity!"

"Exactly," Claire added, sliding into the backseat. "Why are you being so difficult? Do you not like money? We’re all going to the same place!"

Todd adjusted his headset, sweating. "Boss, they're arguing with me about the history of the automotive industry. They won't leave!"

Christy’s voice screamed in the earbud. "Just take them all! We'll deal with it!"

"Fine!" Todd yelled at the girls. "Get in! Just get in!"

"Well, finally," Macy huffed, sitting in the middle. "You’re a very grumpy driver, sir."

As they drove toward the outskirts of the city, Todd reached for a professional-grade gas mask and slipped it over his face.

"Why are you wearing that?" Sophie asked, leaning forward from the front seat. "Is there a smog alert we didn't hear about?"

"Breathing problems," Todd mumbled. He hit a switch on the dashboard.

Hiss.

A faint, sweet-smelling vapor began to pour from the AC vents.

"Wait..." Claire whispered, her vision blurring. "This doesn't smell like... air freshener..."

Before Macy could even reach for her phone, the world tilted and went black.

Macy’s head throbbed as she blinked her eyes open. The first thing she felt was the rough bite of rope against her wrists. She was tied to a sturdy wooden chair in what looked like an abandoned boathouse. To her left, Sophie and Claire were in the same state, looking groggy and terrified.

"Rise and shine, ladies," a familiar, mocking voice rang out.

Christy stepped into the light, flanked by Blake, who was holding a heavy silenced pistol.

"You..." Macy gasped, struggling against her bonds. "You’re insane, Christy. Roman will find us. Sebastian will hunt you down."

"Oh, I'm counting on it," Blake laughed. "In fact, I want them to come. But they won't be coming for a rescue. They’ll be coming to negotiate."

Macy looked around the room and her heart nearly stopped. In a fourth chair, tucked away in the shadows, sat a man who was already conscious but looked tired.

"Owen?" Macy whispered.

Owen Brooks looked up with tired eyes.

Blake stepped forward, grinning as he held up a phone. "And I think it’s time to give Roman his first birthday present of the day."