Elara returned home late that night.
The mansion was silent.
She slipped into her room and opened her laptop.
A notification appeared immediately.
UNKNOWN USER REQUESTING ACCESS
Her eyes narrowed.
She quickly activated a firewall.
Another message appeared.
Relax. I'm not here to harm you.
Elara's fingers hovered above the keyboard.
Who are you?
The reply came instantly.
Someone impressed by your work.
Her heart skipped.
No one should know about the algorithm.
She typed carefully.
How did you find me?
A pause.
Then—
Because I've been looking for you for a long time.
Elara's pulse quickened.
Another message appeared.
Your prediction is correct. The crash is coming.
Her breath caught.
How do you know?
The typing indicator flashed again.
Then the answer appeared.
Because I helped create the system that will cause it.
Elara stared at the screen.
Her mind raced.
Whoever this was…
They were powerful.
And dangerous.
The final message appeared.
If you want the truth about your family…
Meet me tomorrow night.
Lucian Vale.