The word “fiancée” hung in the air like an accusation demanding judgment.

“Hm…,” Ghost murmured. “That’s the recent development.”

He turned toward the assembled hostages, his presence commanding absolute attention without theatrics. Pure authority radiated from his tactical stance.

“Mr. Wellington inherited significant responsibilities five years ago,” Ghost stated with clinical detachment. “Board positions. Decision-making power over life and death.”

“All corporate information is confidential,” Jaxon replied with executive stone-face.

“Well, well, well…” Ghost said without inflection.

He moved among the hostages like a predator cataloging prey, his steps measured and deliberate. No performance—only cold assessment of each terrified face.

“These people work for Meridian Trust,” Ghost observed with brutal calm. “They deserve to know their employer’s true operations.”

“We maintain the highest professional standards,” Jaxon stated automatically.

“I disagree,” Ghost dropped his voice to whisper that carried absolute menace. ” You provide military consulting contracts. Elimination services. Wet work.”

“No.”

Addison’s hands pressed against her stomach as tension escalated like pressure building behind a dam. The psychological warfare sent stress cascading through her system—chemical assault on the fragile life that needed peace.

Ghost approached the elderly couple cowering near the vault, his presence radiating controlled threat that made them shrink deeper into shadows.

“Special projects,” Ghost said with surgical precision, addressing the terrified woman directly. “Combat-trained professionals for off-site operations.”

The woman trembled, unable to form words under his arctic stare.

Ghost’s attention shifted to Marcus, the injured security guard clutching his ribs.

“Building security,” Ghost stated without question. “What would you say about hiring mercenaries for elimination work?”

“I don’t know anything about that,” Marcus stammered.

“Board-level decisions,” Ghost agreed with cold satisfaction. “Isn’t that correct, Mr. Wellington?”

“Board discussions are confidential,” Jaxon replied with mechanical precision.

Ghost began pacing before the hostages with measured steps, each movement calculated for maximum psychological impact. No theatrics—pure intimidation through controlled power.

“Seven families destroyed,” Ghost stated with brutal efficiency. “Parents murdered. Children orphaned. Lives obliterated for operational security.”

Nora’s voice cut through the charged silence, confusion and growing horror threading her words.

“What families?” she asked, her voice shaking. “What elimination orders?”

“Excellent question,” Ghost replied without turning toward her, his focus locked on Jaxon’s impenetrable expression. “Mr. Wellington, enlighten your employee.”

“All operations remain classified,” Jaxon repeated with unbreakable composure.

Ghost’s frustration manifested as stillness rather than movement, his entire being radiating contained violence like a coiled spring under pressure.

“Military veterans,” Ghost continued with relentless precision, “hired for problems requiring permanent solutions. When they developed consciences, what happened?”

“I have no knowledge of such operations.”

“No knowledge,” Ghost said with deadly calm that made the air vibrate with threat. “Murdered families. Systematic elimination of witnesses. Your signature on authorization documents.”

As they hauled Jaxon toward the offices, his footsteps echoed like funeral drums across marble that reflected their passage with cold finality.

Ghost turned toward Addison with predatory focus that made maternal terror explode through her chest like wildfire consuming dry timber.

“You,” Ghost commanded without preamble or manipulation. “Come with me.”

“No,” Addison replied with desperate defiance, pressing herself deeper into the corner as if stone could shield her from his implacable will. “I’m staying right here.”

“Private conversation,” Ghost stated with deadly calm, approaching her position with measured steps that promised inevitable compliance. “Now.”

“I said no!”

Terror blazed through her declaration, but her voice cracked under the weight of his commanding presence.

Ghost stopped before her corner, his scarred mask radiating focused intention.

“Move,” he ordered with quiet finality that suggested resistance was merely temporary inconvenience.

“I won’t go anywhere with you,” Addison declared, though her voice shook with the knowledge that her defiance was crumbling under his arctic authority.

Ghost stepped closer, snapping his fingers and hurring her up.

There was something familiar about his movement, but Addison couldn’t place it. The familiar snapping sounds struck her consciousness like lightning, triggering recognition that danced just beyond conscious thought.

Her defensive posture faltered as the snapping wrapped around her hearing, carrying memories she couldn’t name but couldn’t resist. Something about the sounds called to parts of her heart she thought were dead.

“Come,” Ghost repeated with deadly patience, extending his gloved hand toward her trembling form.

Against every survival instinct, against every promise she’d made to stay safe, Addison found herself reaching toward his outstretched hand.