The name hung in the air, a venomous echo in the silenced room: Marcus Thorne. Elias Thorne’s father. The acclaimed philanthropist, the bastion of humanitarian aid, the very embodiment of unimpeachable virtue was “The Architect.” The revelation was a gut punch, shattering their perception of good and evil, painting the world in shades of unfathomable darkness.

“Marcus Thorne?” Jason repeated, his voice barely a whisper. “But… he’s a living legend. He’s funded hospitals, built schools, campaigned against human trafficking… it’s a lie. All of it.”

“The perfect disguise,” Amelia’s voice cut through the shock in their earpieces. “Who would suspect the man who embodies philanthropy? He uses his public image,...