The drive back to the Presidential Estate felt longer than the journey to Parliament.
Rain still clung to the streets, leaving the city wrapped in shimmering reflections. Headlights stretched across the wet pavement like pale ribbons, disappearing beneath the convoy as it moved through the sleeping capital.
Inside the lead vehicle, nobody spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
It was heavy.
Every person inside carried the same unanswered question.
Who had reached the vault before them?
Sebastian sat with the cream-colored envelope resting on his lap. His thumb traced its edge absentmindedly as he replayed the discovery in his mind.
The empty shelves. The fresh footprints.
The handwritten message.
If you're reading this... you're already too late.
Eight simple words.
Yet they carried the confidence of someone who had never doubted they would remain one step ahead. Magnus finally broke the silence.
"I've been insulted before."
Nobody looked at him.
