บท 23: Ghosts in the Machine

Avery Chen stood at her office window as dawn broke over Blackthorn University. Her reflection appeared ghostly in the dim light. The betrayal of Zack, the infiltration of the Ghost Cartel, and the chilling realization that her enemies were closer than she'd ever imagined weighed heavily on her shoulders. But beneath the weariness and fear, Avery's eyes were ablaze. Her resilience had been underestimated by the Ghost Cartel.

She turned to face Lucas and Damien, more determined than ever. "We need to regroup," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Call everyone we still trust. It's time to go on the offensive."

Just as Lucas reached for his phone, a loud alarm pierced the air. Avery's computer screen suddenly lit up with a series of error messages. "What the—" Damien began, but Avery was already moving, her fingers flying across the keyboard.