[Pierson Corporation]
Atlas and Zoren made their way to the rooftop of the building with grim expressions. They had already heard about what happened during the chase and how the targets got away. But now wasn’t the ti to dwell on that.
It wasn’t the ti to place bla.
That could wait — going after her couldn’t.
As they reached the rooftop entrance where a helipad waited, ard n were already in position. One of them, a mber of the Phantom Circle, stepped forward to approach Zoren and Atlas.
"Sir, we’ve got the tracker’s location now!" he shouted over the roar of the helicopter’s rotors. He held up a small device that resembled a rugged laptop, displaying a geographic map with a blinking light.
"They’re here," he said, pointing at the signal. "We’ve already coordinated with your pilots, and the captain has deployed teams to all possible escape routes."
Despite the update, neither Zoren nor Atlas slowed their pace toward the chopper. When they neared it, Zoren paused and turned to the man.
"Send this to the head of Holand Security," he ordered. "They’ve been assisting."
"Already did, sir!" the man replied, stepping back as Zoren and Atlas boarded the helicopter.
However, unlike the teams that had been deployed to the marked location, these two were heading elsewhere. Their goal was still to save Penny, but their approach required a different path.
As they settled into their seats, a few of their n followed them aboard for added protection. Without delay, the helicopter lifted off the rooftop.
At the sa ti, William — having heard of the disturbance within the company — forced his way up to the rooftop. As soon as he arrived, he saw the helicopter disappearing into the sky and ard guards remaining behind.
"What are you—?" he began, but his breath hitched. Before he could finish, countless rifles were pointed at him.
He raised his arms instinctively. "Please don’t shoot! I’m just here because I was told there was a disturbance in the company!"
In truth, William had co up hoping to catch wind of sothing—anything—that could land Zoren in trouble.
---
[Holand Security Headquarters]
Mint stood at the front of the eting room with a wall of docunts, photos, and maps pinned behind her, which she set up monts earlier.
"This woman right here is the owner and founder of Pri Group," she said, pointing at Penny’s photo on the board. "She’s currently been abducted, likely by the sa group we’ve been investigating."
She slamd her hands down on the table, eyes locking onto every face present. "We move tonight."
The people in the room exchanged wary glances before refocusing on her.
"But... just for one woman—?"
"That woman isn’t just any woman," Mint interrupted, already prepared for that argunt. She had anticipated resistance when calling an ergency eting to push for formal approval of the operation.
She straightened, eyes sharp. "Penelope Bennet is the creator of the famous Miracle Drug. She also developed the antidote. And beyond that, she personally handled security for so of the most prominent public figures across the globe."
She took a breath. "Now think—if the person who protects them is taken hostage, what does that an for the people she’s been protecting? For Anteca?"
"With all due respect... even if she was taken—"
RING!
The speaker — the current Director General of the Defense Ministry — paused as a phone rang. All eyes turned toward him.
"I think it’s yours," Mint said coolly, eyeing the old man who’d been pushing back throughout the eting. "You should answer that, Director General. It might be important."
"Ahem!" He cleared his throat and retrieved his phone, the ringtone even louder now that it was out in the open.
He was about to silence it until he saw the caller ID.
The forr Defense Minister.
"I need to take this," he said, excusing himself and stepping out of the room.
Once outside, he answered. "Sir, good eve—"
His smile faded. The voice on the other end had already begun speaking, skipping the pleasantries. As the Director General listened, his brow furrowed.
"I understand, sir," he said, then hung up and returned to the room.
He had barely shut the door behind him when he announced, "We’re authorizing the operation."
Everyone turned to him in confusion.
He kept his gaze locked on Mint. "Do what you must, Chief. The House has signed off on your request. We’ll assign troops to assist you with mission briefings."
Mint allowed herself a small, satisfied smile, then addressed the room.
"I’ll need all of your help," she said, voice firm. "This isn’t just about one woman anymore. This is about our country—our ho."
The room fell silent, then one voice spoke up.
"Interpol is already working on the case," soone said. "They’ll be coordinating with Holand Security."
With that, resistance crumbled. They had no choice but to approve the mission, even if it was abrupt. The original plan had been to act in three months, but now, they had to move. Otherwise, Anteca would fall prey to the monster pulling the strings.
---
[Sowhere in a mansion...]
The forr Minister of Defense gently placed his phone down on the side table, then turned his gaze toward the man seated across from him.
"It’s the least I can do," he said quietly. "I’m sorry this is happening to your family, Charles."
Charles sat forward slightly, his arms resting on his knees, wearing a tired smile. "Thank you for your help."
"No," the forr minister shook his head. "Don’t thank . You saved my son during your service—you cared for him when I couldn’t. If it weren’t for you, I would have lost him."
He sighed deeply. "I only wish I could do more to make sure your daughter is safe."
"This approval is enough, sir," Charles replied, rising to his feet. He saluted the older man. "Again, thank you."
He turned to leave with his task complete. Now that Mint had full authority, it was out of his hands. But as he reached the door, a voice called after him.
"Charles."
He looked back.
The forr minister’s voice was steady. "I know what you’ve been through in your ti. But once a Marine, always a Marine. I never believed you hated it."
He nodded solemnly. "Save your child. We’re right behind you, Major."
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