The island was quiet.
Soft waves rolled gently onto the white sand while the sun slowly began to set across the Pacific horizon.
Inside the main house, Albert walked calmly through a long corridor lined with bookshelves and ancient artifacts collected from around the world.
Behind him walked the President of the United States.
Secret Service agents stopped at the door.
Albert pushed the door open.
"Welcome to my library."
The room was enormous.
Tall wooden shelves reached almost to the ceiling, filled with rare books, manuscripts, and historical maps.
A large wooden table stood in the center of the room.
Albert walked in and sat down calmly.
The President remained standing for a moment, observing the room.
Then he sat across from Albert.
"You know something, Albert?" the President said.
Albert poured himself a glass of water.
"What's that?"
The President leaned back in his chair.
"You are the most troublesome man my country has ever tolerated."
Albert raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds almost flattering."
The President continued.
"You move across countries."
"You start excavations."
"You cause diplomatic headaches."
"And somehow you always stay just inside the line where I can't officially stop you."
Albert smiled slightly.
"I try to be careful."
The President shook his head.
"You're not careful."
"You're dangerous."
There was a moment of silence.
Then the President leaned forward.
"But let's be clear about something."
"Yesterday my envoy met with your man."
"He delivered three billion dollars."
"You accepted it."
Albert nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"I did."
The President looked directly at him.
"That's why I'm here."
Albert folded his hands on the table.
"Then let's talk."
The President's voice became quieter.
"What exactly did you find in Egypt?"
Albert sighed slightly.
"Nothing important."
The President stared at him.
Albert continued calmly.
"The expedition turned out to be a waste."
"Ancient rocks."
"Old carvings."
"Nothing valuable."
"My money was wasted."
The President's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You expect me to believe that?"
Albert shrugged.
"You asked."
"I answered."
The President remained silent for a moment.
But inside his mind, something felt wrong.
Albert had never wasted money.
Not like that.
Not without a reason.
The President leaned back slowly.
"You're lying."
Albert smiled faintly.
"I wouldn't dare."
But the President had already made a decision.
If Albert wouldn't tell him the truth…
then someone else would.
He stood up slowly.
"I think I'll take a closer look at your Egyptian operation."
Albert looked up calmly.
"You're welcome to try."
The President walked toward the door.
Because one thing was certain now.
Albert had discovered something in Egypt.
And whatever it was…
the President intended to find it.