The private elevator pinged softly, sliding open to reveal the quiet, secure underground vault corridor of the Manhattan Private Bank. The walls were made of thick, polished grey granite, and the floor shone like a mirror under bright white lights.

Clara walked out of the elevator with her head held high, her sharp crimson red suit catching the light with every confident step she took. Flanking her tightly on all sides were the three Vane brothers. Lucian walked right beside her, his powerful presence filling the hallway with an unstoppable aura of authority, while Jax and Silas guarded her flanks like twin statues of unyielding power.

At the far end...