The moment the mercenaries stepped through the estate gates, the atmosphere inside the mansion shifted completely.
Vanessa stood beside the security monitors, watching the twelve armed figures move across the garden like shadows.
They were disciplined.
Quiet.
Coordinated.
These weren't criminals rushing into a fight.
These were professionals executing a plan.
Marco exhaled slowly.
"They're moving faster than I expected."
Vanessa didn't look away from the screen.
"They're testing response time."
Gale stood beside her, hands resting calmly on the edge of the desk.
"Yes."
Vanessa pointed toward the monitor.
"They split again."
Marco leaned forward.
"Three groups."
Vanessa nodded.
"Front entrance."
She pointed again.
"Garden path."
Then another screen.
"And two moving along the east wall."
Marco muttered under his breath.
"They're surrounding the house."
Vanessa tilted her head slightly.
"That's good."
Marco blinked.
"How is that good?"
