The world believed Elara Hart was dangerous.
Governments wanted her investigated.
Media called her a threat.
And Damien Volkov thought he had won.
But he forgot something important—
The most powerful billionaire in Europe had just decided to go to war.
---
Morning sunlight filled the Valentino penthouse.
Outside, the streets of Milan were chaos.
Reporters crowded the building entrance.
Camera crews shouted questions.
News helicopters circled above the city.
Inside the penthouse—
Marcus stood near the security monitors, shaking his head.
"This is insane."
Elara walked into the living room.
"What now?"
Marcus pointed toward the screen.
"Half the world's media is outside."
"Great."
"That's not the worst part."
She frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Marcus zoomed the camera feed.
Police vehicles had joined the reporters.
Government security units.
And even international intelligence agents.
Elara's voice dropped.
"They're here for me."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"Looks like it."
---
Ares's Plan
Ares walked into the room calmly.
Completely calm.
Too calm.
Marcus immediately noticed.
"Oh no."
Elara looked at him.
"What."
Marcus pointed at Ares.
"He has that look."
"What look?"
"The one he gets before doing something terrifying."
Ares ignored him.
"Marcus."
"Yes."
"Prepare the press room."
Marcus blinked.
"The press room?"
"Yes."
"You're inviting them inside?"
Ares nodded once.
"Yes."
Marcus stared at him like he had lost his mind.
"You want the entire world media inside your building?"
"Yes."
Marcus rubbed his face.
"This is either genius… or suicidal."
Ares's voice was calm.
"Neither."
"What is it then?"
"Strategy."
---
The Conference
One hour later.
The Valentino tower press hall was completely full.
Hundreds of reporters filled the room.
Camera lights flashed nonstop.
The entire world was watching.
News networks broadcast live.
Everyone expected one thing—
A statement about Elara Hart.
But when the stage lights turned on—
Ares Valentino walked onto the platform alone.
The room exploded with questions.
"Mr. Valentino!"
"Is Elara Hart the Helios subject?"
"Are you protecting a biological weapon?"
"Does she pose a global threat?"
The noise was overwhelming.
But Ares didn't react.
He simply stood there.
Silent.
Watching them.
Slowly—
The room grew quiet.
Because everyone knew something.
When Ares Valentino looked that calm—
Someone was about to lose.
---
The Statement
He spoke only one sentence at first.
"You're all asking the wrong question."
The reporters exchanged confused looks.
Ares continued.
"The question is not whether Elara Hart is dangerous."
Cameras flashed.
The world leaned closer.
"The real question…"
His voice dropped slightly.
"Is why someone wants you to believe she is."
The room erupted again.
"Are you accusing someone?"
"Who leaked the Helios files?"
"Is this connected to Damien Volkov?"
Ares didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
A massive screen behind him turned on.
Data appeared.
Financial records.
Bank transfers.
Media investments.
Every transaction connected to the Helios story.
Marcus watched from the control room.
Even he was impressed.
"Wow."
"Boss really came prepared."
Back in the press hall—
The reporters stared at the screen.
Because one name appeared repeatedly.
Damien Volkov
Ares spoke again.
"The Helios files were not leaked to reveal the truth."
"They were leaked to control the narrative."
He pointed to the data.
"Within 48 hours of the leak, Mr. Volkov purchased controlling influence in five international media groups."
The room went silent.
"Coincidence?"
Ares asked calmly.
"I don't believe in coincidences."
---
Volkov Watches
Thousands of miles away—
Damien Volkov watched the broadcast from his private office.
Rayan Arman stood beside him.
"Well," Rayan said quietly.
"That escalated quickly."
Volkov didn't look angry.
If anything—
He looked amused.
"He's good."
Rayan nodded.
"Very good."
Volkov leaned forward slightly.
"But he's still playing defense."
Rayan looked curious.
"And your next move?"
Volkov smiled slowly.
"Oh…"
"I'm just getting started."
---
The Truth About Elara
Back at the press conference—
Ares raised his hand slightly.
The reporters fell silent again.
"You want to know what Elara Hart really is?"
Everyone waited.
He answered clearly.
"She is not a weapon."
"She is not a threat."
"She is not your enemy."
He paused.
Then said the words that changed everything.
"She is the future of strategic intelligence."
Gasps filled the room.
One reporter shouted—
"Are you confirming the Helios program was real?"
Ares didn't deny it.
"Yes."
"And Elara Hart is the only surviving success."
Cameras flashed wildly.
The entire world heard it.
But Ares continued before panic could grow.
"And she will never be used as a weapon."
His voice hardened.
"Because anyone who tries…"
His eyes turned cold.
"Will answer to me."
The threat was clear.
And coming from Ares Valentino—
It meant something.
---
The Aftermath
Inside the penthouse—
Elara watched the broadcast silently.
Marcus sat beside her.
"Well…"
"That was dramatic."
She didn't respond.
Her eyes stayed on the screen.
Ares stood alone in front of the entire world.
Defending her.
Protecting her.
Choosing her.
Marcus glanced at her.
"You okay?"
She nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"Why do you sound surprised?"
Her voice softened.
"Because he didn't hide me."
Marcus smirked.
"That's Ares."
"He doesn't hide power."
Ares Valentino has publicly challenged Damien Volkov.
The world now knows the truth about Project Helios.
But Volkov didn't start this war to lose.
And his next move…
Will push Elara closer to the edge of the power she was created to wield.