The headlights outside the estate grew brighter as more vehicles rolled through the broken gate.
Vanessa stood near the shattered hallway window, arms folded, watching the convoy stop in the courtyard.
Engines shut off one by one.
Doors opened.
Men stepped out.
Unlike Volkov's mercenaries, these soldiers didn't rush.
They moved with measured patience.
Disciplined.
Organized.
Professional.
Marco leaned beside the window and counted under his breath.
"One… two… three…"
Vanessa glanced at him.
"You lost count."
Marco sighed.
"There's too many."
Vanessa studied the formation carefully.
"They're not rushing the house."
Marco frowned.
"Why not?"
Vanessa pointed toward the courtyard.
"They're setting positions."
Marco squinted.
"Sniper positions."
Vanessa nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Marco groaned.
"That's bad."
Gale stepped beside them, his expression unreadable.
"The Circle escalated."
Vanessa nodded.
"They're not playing anymore."
