Chapter 13
The penthouse was plunged into artificial twilight as the blackout curtains automatically rolled down over every window. Julian drew his firearm instinctively, stepping back into the shadows of the hallway to cover all possible entry points.
"Margaret, stay in the bedroom and lock the reinforced door!" Julian shouted in a low, sharp whisper. Footsteps echoed softly against the hardwood floors of the private elevator foyer—heavy, deliberate, and entirely silent.
The private elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing two masked figures dressed in tactical black gear. They moved with professional military precision, sweeping their suppressed firearms across the expansive living room.
Julian didn't hesitate; he fired two calculated shots from the shadows, shattering the overhead chandelier glass to create a distraction. The operatives immediately dropped to one knee, returning fire into the wall panels where Julian had just been standing.
"Vance, surrender the hard drives from the 1998 vault, and we make this quick!" one of the operatives barked coldly. "You'll get a bullet before you get a single byte of my family's history!" Julian yelled back, rolling behind a marble pillar.
Sirens began wailing in the distance outside, signaling that the federal tactical escort was finally approaching the building. The operatives exchanged a frantic glance, realizing their window of opportunity was closing rapidly.
"We'll be back for you, Vance, and next time there won't be a federal safety net," the lead operative snarled. They retreated swiftly into the private elevator, smashing the control panel before the doors closed downward into the basement.
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Julian ran toward the bedroom, flinging open the door to find Margaret safe and huddled inside the walk-in closet. "Are you alright, Margaret?" Julian asked breathlessly, holstering his weapon as he checked her for injuries.
"I'm shaking, Julian, but I'm unharmed," Margaret whispered, gripping his hand tightly. Federal agents breached the front door seconds later, storming the penthouse with assault rifles raised and ready for combat.
