CHAPTER 18
We boarded a private flight to Zurich,
accompanied by Daniel and Natalie.
The cabin was converted into a mobile command center,
with laptops and satellite dishes operating continuously.
Daniel worked tirelessly on his decryption software,
targeting the Swiss node Ethan had mentioned.
"The server is located in an underground facility,"
Daniel explained,
showing us a digital blueprint.
"It has military-grade security,
both physical and digital."
"We cannot just walk in and pull the plug,"
Natalie noted,
frowning at the secure layout.
"We need a physical access key,
which is held by Vance's top operative."
"Who is the operative,"
Liam asked,
pouring a cup of black coffee.
"A woman named Sophia Moretti,"
Natalie replied,
displaying a profile on the screen.
"She manages his European assets,
and she is attending a private gala tonight."
The gala was hosted at a lakeside mansion,
attended by the wealthiest elites of Europe.
It was the perfect cover for criminal transactions,
hidden behind diamond necklaces and champagne flutes.
"I will get the key,"
I declared,
looking at the elegant dress hanging in the closet.
"Emily,
it's too dangerous,"
Liam protested,
his eyes filled with deep anxiety.
"She will recognize you immediately."
"No,
she won't,"
I countered,
unzipping a hidden compartment in my bag.
"She expects me to be hiding in New York,
crying over my stolen company."
"She doesn't expect the Chairwoman of Apex,
to infiltrate her inner circle."
Natalie smiled,
approaching me with a collection of high-tech tools.
"We can use a digital cloning device,"
she suggested,
holding a small silver disc.
"You only need to get within two inches of her bag,
for five seconds."
"The device will clone her security credentials,
and transmit them directly to Daniel."
Liam sighed,
knowing he could not stop me from taking the risk.
"Then I am going as your plus-one,"
he stated,
his tone leaving no room for argument.
"A wealthy American investor and his beautiful partner,
it's a perfect cover."
As the plane descended through the clouds,
the snowy peaks of Switzerland appeared.
The beauty of the landscape contrasted sharply,
with the deadly game we were playing.
May you like
We dressed in our finest evening attire,
preparing to step into the lions' den once more.
