The mastermind walked down the elegant corridor of his temporary estate, surrounded by controlled silence and polished marble. His footsteps were calm. Unhurried. Like a king departing one palace only to claim another.
"Preparations?" he asked quietly.
One of his men — dressed in sharp formal wear, more butler than bodyguard — bowed respectfully.
"All secondary locations have been cleared. Transport will be ready within the hour."
"Good." He adjusted his cufflinks, eyes distant. "Sara's people will panic. Daniel will retaliate. I'd rather they chase ghosts than find me."
He smiled faintly.
"Let them look."
Meanwhile — Clara's Perspective
Clara walked two steps behind him, head lowered, playing the obedient defector.
But every corner they passed, every guard rotation, every side exit…
She memorized.
Counting.
Mapping.
Positioning.
She wasn't just walking beside a monster.
She was walking through his lair — marking every weakness.
Her fingers brushed lightly against her thigh — where a thin strip of fabric disguised a pulse-sensitive transmitter.
Daniel would be receiving everything.
If she could just stay close long enough…
In an Unmarked Surveillance Van
Daniel stared at the holographic projection forming in front of him — a wireframe layout of corridors slowly appearing in real-time.
Leo whistled. "She's giving us a full map of the compound."
Ryo leaned forward. "The bastard's moving. He's shifting locations."
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
"Good."
Leo glanced at him. "Good? Most would panic at losing the trail."
Daniel smirked coldly.
"Let him run. Rats are easiest to catch when they think they've found safety."
Back to the Mastermind
He stopped by a massive reinforced door — biometric locks hissing softly as it opened.
Inside was a room lined with sleek cases.
Weapons. Data. Documents. Cash. Identities.
Everything he needed to disappear without a trace.
He ran a hand along one of the polished briefcases.
"Clara," he said casually without turning. "Do you know why I always stay ahead of people like Daniel?"
Clara kept her face neutral. "Because you're smarter."
He chuckled. "Because I plan for betrayal before it happens."
He turned to her — smiling.
"And I always keep a failsafe."
A soft beep sounded.
Clara's heart dropped.
Her leg — where the transmitter was — suddenly buzzed violently.
She froze.
He detected it.
His smile grew faintly sharper.
"Now then," he said calmly.
"Shall we see who's listening?"