Chapter 25
Power doesn’t corrupt—it reveals. Eden watched Moscow’s pre-dawn skyline through bulletproof glass, the city spread below Alexander Mitchell’s penthouse like a glittering testament to generations of influence. Two weeks of playing the dutiful granddaughter, and she was already drowning in the kind of power that had destroyed her mother.
“The Minister of Finance will be at tonight’s gathering,”
Petrova said, reviewing security protocols with practiced efficiency.
“Along with several other interested parties. Alexander expects you both to make an impression.”
“Don’t we always?”
Katherine’s smile was ice-cold as she adjusted her midnight-blue gown—silk that elegantly concealed weapons and technical gear.
“Though I’m still not clear why he needs us both for a simple meeting.”
Eden caught Katherine’s eye in the mirror, reading the real question beneath her casual words. Working together had created shorthand communication through minimal signals—a kind of synergy Sarah Mitchell had cultivated through their complementary training. Two weeks of pretending to embrace Alexander’s empire, and they were still no closer to understanding the true scope of his operation.
“The Mitchell genetic line has always been unique.”
Alexander’s voice announced his arrival, carrying that familiar mix of cultured danger Eden had come to recognize.
“Something in the specific DNA markers you carry. A certain...compatibility with advanced predictive systems.”
Alexander Mitchell moved like a predator, every gesture calculated and communicating an underlying sense of danger. Even at seventy, he was an imposing presence—broad shoulders, military-straight spine, and movements reflecting extensive combat training. His silver hair emphasized aristocratic features, while his eyes—the same shade of green as Eden’s—held the calculating assessment of someone accustomed to absolute authority. His tailored suit concealed both his still-formidable physique and, Eden suspected, at least two concealed weapons.
“Aptitude for manipulating systems?”
Eden kept her voice neutral as she checked her hidden weapons. The shoulder holster under her black silk dress carried her usual pistol, while her thigh rig held something more specialized.
“That’s a diplomatic way to describe what we did to Romano’s operation.”
“Romano was a fool who never understood true power.”
Alexander’s smile matched Eden’s for danger, the family resemblance unmistakable.
“He played with artifacts and criminals, thinking he was building an empire. But real power?”
He gestured at the city below.
“Real power changes the course of history.”
“Through murder and corruption?”
The words slipped out before Eden could stop them.
Alexander laughed.
“Through whatever means necessary. Your mother never understood that. She saw everything in terms of right and wrong. But you’re different, aren’t you? Both of you understand the necessity of secrecy and subterfuge.”
Eden felt Katherine tense slightly beside her, but they’d prepared for this. They’d spent two weeks carefully playing their roles while gathering intelligence on Alexander’s true operation.
“We understand necessity,”
Katherine replied smoothly.
“The question is, what necessity requires both me and Sarah’s daughter at a simple financial meeting?”
Alexander’s smile turned knowing.
“The same necessity that’s kept our family influential for generations. The same genetic compatibility that makes your DNA so...uniquely valuable.”
Before either woman could respond, the door opened to admit Hunter. He moved with that deadly grace that still made Eden’s pulse quicken, his tuxedo failing to hide the warrior beneath. As he entered, his eyes sought hers first—a brief assessment that carried personal concern beneath professional focus.
“Perimeter’s secure,”
he reported, taking position near Eden with practiced ease. The way he positioned himself—close enough to support without crowding her—was a welcome comfort she hoped to never take for granted. His presence now enhanced rather than restricted her options. The subtle pressure of his shoulder against hers conveyed both reassurance and readiness.
“Though there’s been unusual movement in the financial district,” he added.
“Unusual how?”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed.
“Accounts being quietly transferred. Properties changing hands.”
Hunter’s voice gave nothing away, but Eden felt tension in his stance.
“Almost like someone’s preparing for major changes.”
“The Minister’s reforms, no doubt.”
Alexander studied Hunter with new intensity.
“Your outlaw has good instincts, Eden. Though I’m not convinced keeping him around is wise.”
“Hunter’s proven his value.”
Eden let her hand brush his arm, enjoying the brief contact.
“Besides, isn’t that what you wanted? For me to develop my own resources?”
“Among other things.”
Alexander moved to the window.
“Tonight’s gathering isn’t just about finance ministers. It’s about something much older. Something in our DNA.”
“The Mitchell legacy?”
Katherine asked with careful interest.
“Sarah’s files mentioned certain...family traits.”
“Sarah found pieces of the truth.”
Alexander’s reflection smiled darkly.
“But she never understood the full scope of her heritage. The real potential in your DNA.”
“And what potential is that?”
Eden felt Hunter tense beside her.
Alexander turned, his eyes calculating.
“The ability to communicate with advanced predictive algorithms. To optimize probability assessments. Haven’t you ever wondered why your genetics produce such exceptional strategic thinkers? Why complex systems seem to align with your projected outcomes when using our technology?”
Eden exchanged a look with Katherine, remembering how often their operations had come together perfectly. Too perfectly.
“It’s not just talent or training,”
Alexander continued.
“It’s something deeper. Something coded into your DNA. The same genetic markers that built empires and toppled governments. The same markers that make you both so dangerous.”
The atmosphere felt charged, the specialized environmental systems subtly adjusting light and air composition to enhance neural responses. Eden was acutely aware of Hunter’s solid presence beside her, his warmth a comfort amid Alexander’s chilling revelations.
“And tonight’s gathering?”
Katherine asked steadily.
“What role does this...genetic compatibility play?”
“Tonight we begin the next phase.”
Alexander smiled.
“The Minister’s reforms are just the beginning. With you both fully embracing your potential, we can reshape the entire financial system.”
“Using what?”
Eden forced herself to sound eager rather than horrified.
“Romano’s old networks?”
“Romano was a crude instrument,”
Alexander dismissed with a wave.
“We’re going to use much older methods. Methods that require your DNA to activate.”
Understanding dawned.
“The artifacts Sarah was investigating. They’re not just ledgers or antiquities...”
“They’re sophisticated technological systems,”
Alexander confirmed with satisfaction.
“Advanced programs designed to respond to specific genetic markers—particularly those found in the Mitchell lineage.
The technology embedded within them is programmed to recognize certain DNA sequences. Your mother found some of them, tried to expose their existence. But she never understood their true purpose.”
“And what purpose is that?”
Hunter’s voice carried carefully controlled anger.
“To change the world.”
Alexander spread his hands.
“Tonight’s gathering includes people who understand real power. People willing to pay anything for access to these systems.”
“You’re selling access to this technology.”
Katherine’s voice held genuine horror.
“Using Eden’s DNA to activate these devices...”
“Using my granddaughter’s genetic compatibility to reshape global financial systems,”
Alexander corrected, pointedly looking at Eden.
“With you fully trained, embracing your legacy, we can do more than just manipulate markets. We can alter the fundamental laws of probability.”
Eden felt the specialized technology activating—responding to her proximity as biometric scanners identified her genetic markers. The heightened awareness and pattern recognition was familiar—not mystical inheritance but engineered technological response.
“And if I refuse?”
Eden’s voice was barely audible.
“Refuse?”
Alexander laughed.
“My dear, you’ve already accepted. Every time you’ve used these systems, every time you’ve deployed this technology, you’ve been accepting your heritage. Tonight just makes it official. The gathering begins in three hours.”
Alexander headed for the door.
“I suggest you both prepare yourselves. Tonight, we reshape the world.”
The door closed behind him with barely a sound.
“Well,”
Hunter said stiffly, “that explains a few things.”
“Like how we always seem to be in exactly the right place at the right time?”
Eden turned to face him, letting him see the fear and fury in her eyes.
“How everything falls into place when we need it to? We already knew that,”
she scoffed, terrified but unimpressed.
“Like how we’re going to stop him.”
Katherine was already moving, her fingers moving over her phone’s screen.
“The channels are in place. Everything we’ve gathered—”
“Won’t matter if he’s telling the truth about this technology,”
Eden cut her off.
“If he really can manipulate systems that way...”
“Then we use it first.”
Hunter’s hand settled on her lower back, his touch warm and grounding.
“Using whatever this technology is to burn his empire instead of building it.”
Eden leaned into his touch, savoring the connection between them, finding assurances in their go-to connection that always settled her nerves.
“It’s not that simple. If what he’s saying about my DNA is true...”
“Then we use it against him,”
Katherine said sharply.
“Sarah left everything we need—not just evidence of his crimes, but knowledge of how these devices really work. Why do you think she was so interested in certain pieces?”
Understanding dawned.
“She wasn’t just tracking his operation. She was learning how to use the technology herself.”
“To fight him.”
Katherine nodded.
“And now we’re going to finish what she started.”
“Using his own gathering against him,”
Hunter said, his eyes darkening with dangerous intent.
“All those powerful people in one place...”
“While we reshape things in ways he never expected.”
Eden smiled.
“But we’ll need help. The timing must be perfect.”
“Already handled.”
Katherine showed them her phone—messages from Darkness confirming positions around the city. The Blind Jacks had spent two weeks building their own network, preparing for this moment.
“Everyone’s in position. Just waiting for our signal.”
Eden felt her training kick in, awareness sharpening as connections formed faster than conscious thought. This time, she embraced it deliberately, knowing Katherine was doing the same.
“Well then.”
She turned in Hunter’s arms. Trust forged through shared danger and mutual respect had created a connection that transcended professional boundaries and crossed into something much deeper than she could have ever anticipated. The “L”
word danced on the edges of her thoughts, but she shoved them back in favor of more pressing matters.
She looked up at him, letting him see her determination.
“Ready to crash a party?”
His answering smile made her heart race despite everything.
“Born ready, baby.”
The casual endearment carried layers of meaning—commitment to both the mission and to her, regardless of cost. His eyes told her everything words couldn’t—that whatever happened, they would face it together. And the kiss she rose up and placed on his lips communicated the same sentiments—if not more.
They made final preparations, moving with practiced efficiency. Hunter’s hand would find the small of her back as they moved through the room, each touch electric even through layers of silk and hidden armor. When their eyes met, Eden felt understood, felt cared for, in ways no one else had ever managed.
The sun set over Moscow, painting the skyline in fiery reds and deep purples. Eden watched darkness claim the city, Hunter’s solid presence beside her a reminder that she wasn’t facing this alone.
Tonight would change everything. They would either master Alexander’s technology or be destroyed by it. The mission would succeed or fail based on split-second decisions and perfect timing.
But for the first time since finding her mother’s body, Eden wasn’t just fighting against something. She was fighting for something—for justice, for truth, and for the future taking shape between her and Hunter. A future neither had dared imagine until now.
The war was entering its final phase, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But as Hunter’s hand found hers, fingers intertwining with quiet strength, Eden felt ready for whatever came next.
After all, some connections were stronger than technology. Some partnerships more powerful than any system. And the bond between Eden and Hunter? That was something Alexander Mitchell had never accounted for in all his calculations.
Time to show him his biggest mistake.