The moment Rehman Nawwar took the phone from Miles Sterling, the device vibrated in his hand, the screen lighting up in the dim room like a silent signal of something far bigger unfolding beyond those walls.
The name on the display reflected clearly.
"Big Boss."
Rehman raised a brow, reading it aloud slowly, almost tasting the words.
"Big Boss… looks like there is still someone you listen to."
A grin spread across his face, sharp and dangerous.
"I will pick it up. You speak."
Miles did not react outwardly.
But his eyes… were not still.
They shifted ever so slightly.
Calculating.
Measuring the distance.
The angle.
The detonator in Rehman's hand.
Every second mattered.
Rehman answered the call.
Miles spoke first, calm and controlled.
"Hello… Mr. President."
For the first time, Rehman's expression changed.
Not fear.
But surprise.
His eyes widened slightly, then narrowed again as a slow grin returned, deeper this time.
