Inside the surveillance van, the air felt thick — not with panic, but calculation.
Leo stared at the flickering feed. "This is bad. If we follow them now, we're walking right into their nest."
Ryo swore under his breath. "We pull Clara out. Abort the mission."
But Daniel…
Daniel didn't move.
His gaze was fixed on the live transmission — Clara walking beside the mastermind, calm on the outside but stiff with fear.
He spoke softly.
"He thinks he's leading us."
Leo glanced at him. "Isn't he?"
Daniel leaned back.
"No. We let him think that."
Daniel's Plan
He pulled out his earpiece.
"Leo, prepare a decoy strike team. Loud, messy — send it toward the convoy's projected route. Make sure they notice."
Ryo frowned. "A distraction?"
Daniel nodded. "I want them to think we're coming for a rescue."
Leo's eyes widened. "So while they're focused on the fake attackers…"
Daniel stood, loading his gear with chilling precision.
"I'll infiltrate from the inside."
Ryo stiffened. "Alone?!"
Daniel's voice was steady.
"This isn't a rescue anymore."
He holstered his weapon.
"It's a hunt."
Meanwhile — In the Convoy
Clara kept her expression blank, every instinct screaming. The mastermind sat beside her in the armored vehicle, watching the passing landscape with casual serenity.
Then—
He spoke without looking at her.
"Your heart rate went down."
Clara froze.
"You've made a decision," he continued softly.
His lips curved.
"Good. I prefer opponents who walk willingly onto the board."
Clara didn't dare answer.
He knows Daniel is coming.And he's ready.
Outside — The Trap Begins
A sudden explosion roared in the distance. Sirens blared. The convoy braked sharply.
Guards rushed to assess.
The mastermind tilted his head, amused. "How predictable."
But then…
He frowned.
"Too early."
Clara blinked. "What?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"They wouldn't attack yet. Not before staging. This isn't an assault."
He slowly turned his head toward Clara.
"This… is bait."