[POV: Sofia Lanka]

"You expect me to believe that a man as meticulous as you left his only son to be torn apart by vultures just because of a legend whispered in the dark, Alistair? That isn't a curse. That’s cowardice masquerading as destiny."

Sofia stood in the center of the subterranean observation deck, her voice echoing against the cold titanium walls. The air down here was different—pressurized, smelling of ozone and the weight of billions of dollars. Behind the reinforced glass, the Meristate Bank’s bio-vault loomed like a sleeping titan. Alistair Monroe didn't flinch at her accusation. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the heat-signature...