By nine in the morning, the ballroom of the five-star hotel was already filling with reporters, investors, medical representatives, corporate executives, and government officials.
The program had not officially started yet. Staff moved around the room making final checks on the microphones and cameras while others made sure everything on stage was ready. The large screen behind the stage displayed the Onyx Biomedical Solutions logo, completing the polished look of the event.
Maximillian stood near the front of the ballroom with Kael and Vyn beside him, greeting guests as they arrived.
Vyn looked calm, as though nothing had happened. Only the faint shadows beneath his eyes gave away how little sleep he had gotten.
He had stayed at Elio's safe house with Axis and Dane after leaving Kael's house.
Kael had already transferred everything they had gathered from Onyx there, including his research, experimental records, test results, and the specimens he had been working on. Aris had secured everything inside his laboratory.
Now they only needed to make sure the right people saw what Onyx had been hiding.
Vyn quietly scanned the ballroom, taking note of the security personnel positioned around the room.
Among the reporters near the press area was Elio.
He wore a dark suit with a press badge clipped to his jacket, a camera hanging from his shoulder, and a mask covering the lower half of his face. The identification card carried the name of a media outlet, but the credentials had been prepared specifically for him.
He looked like every other reporter in the room.
Elio had spent the last few minutes moving through the press area, taking photographs and occasionally checking his notes.
Slowly, he worked his way closer to the security detail surrounding Maximillian without drawing attention to himself.
A few minutes later, the ballroom doors opened again.
The Minister of Defense entered with Anastasia beside him.
Maximillian noticed them and went to greet them.
"Minister. Good to see you."
"Chairman. Good to see you too."
They shook hands, the Minister smiling warmly.
"Congratulations. You finally got this thing off the ground."
Maximillian smiled. "About time, isn't it?"
"You've been talking about it long enough."
"We had a few delays."
"A few?"
Maximillian gave him a look that made the Minister laugh.
The Minister glanced toward the stage, taking in the large screen and the carefully arranged presentation.
"It looks impressive."
"We wanted it to," Maximillian said.
"I can see that."
Maximillian's attention shifted to Anastasia standing beside her father.
"And you brought her with you."
Anastasia smiled. "I wasn't going to let my father come alone."
The Minister laughed. "You're right. I need someone to keep me from talking politics all morning."
Anastasia looked at him with an amused smile.
"We both know you'll find a way to talk about it anyway."
The Minister laughed again before turning toward Vivian.
"Vivian, you look lovely this morning. That dress suits you."
Vivian smiled politely.
"Thank you, Minister."
The Minister smiled before turning back toward Maximillian.
"We should talk before the presentation."
"Of course."
Maximillian then joined the Minister nearby, while Kael, Sebastian, Vyn, Anastasia, and Vivian remained near the front of the ballroom.
Anastasia turned toward Sebastian first.
"Mr. Noctis, congratulations on the launch. Everything looks incredible."
Sebastian smiled.
"Thank you. We've been preparing for this for a long time."
She then looked toward Kael.
"And congratulations to you too, Kael. This is a big day for Onyx."
Kael gave her a small smile.
"Thank you. It's good to finally see the launch happen."
"I'm sure it is."
Anastasia looked between the two men.
"You both should be proud. Everything looks amazing."
Sebastian glanced toward the stage.
"We're hoping everything goes exactly as planned."
Kael gave a quiet smile.
"That's the idea."
Anastasia smiled.
"I'm sure it will."
Her attention shifted toward Vivian.
"You look beautiful, Vivian. I really like that color on you."
Vivian glanced down at her dress.
"Thank you. I almost wore something else."
"I'm glad you didn't."
Vivian smiled.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was."
Vivian looked at Anastasia's dress.
"Yours looks beautiful too."
Anastasia smiled.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Their conversation was interrupted when Anastasia noticed the photographers gathering nearby.
She glanced toward Vyn.
"You look good."
Vyn gave her a brief nod.
Anastasia lightly hooked her arm through his and guided him toward the photographers.
"Come on. Try to look like you actually want to be here."
Vyn said nothing.
"Physically," she added with a small smile.
The photographers began calling for them to look their way as flashes filled the space around them.
Anastasia leaned slightly closer, keeping her smile fixed for the cameras.
"You could at least pretend to be happy."
Vyn turned toward the cameras and gave them the small smile they wanted.
"There. That's better," Anastasia murmured.
Vyn kept the smile in place for the cameras, his jaw tightening as he leaned slightly toward her.
"Enough with the act," he whispered.
Anastasia's smile widened. After a few more flashes, she finally released his arm.
"See? That wasn't so painful."
Vyn stepped away from the photographers without answering.
Anastasia returned to her father while Vyn turned his attention back toward the ballroom.
Across the room, Elio had seen everything.
He knew Anastasia would be there. Still, seeing them together tightened something in his chest.
He forced himself to look away and focused on the people around him instead. He had a job to do, and he couldn't let anything else distract him.
He adjusted the camera hanging from his shoulder and moved closer to the press area.
His eyes returned to the security detail.
The target was only a few feet away.
One of Maximillian's elite security personnel stood near the press area. He had once been an S-Class Alpha before receiving Sovereign.
Before the launch, Kael had gone through the Sovereign records and identified the members of Maximillian's personal security team who had received the drug.
This particular security officer was one of them.
That was what made him the target.
A few minutes later, the lights around the stage began to dim. Conversations throughout the ballroom gradually faded as everyone turned toward the stage.
Sebastian stepped onto the platform.
The large screen behind him displayed the Onyx Biomedical logo.
"Good morning, everyone."
The audience applauded.
Sebastian smiled and waited for the room to settle before continuing.
"Today marks an important step for Onyx Biomedical Solutions. For years, we've worked toward developing treatments that can help people manage the most difficult stages of their cycles without disrupting the body's natural response."
A presentation appeared behind him.
Sebastian gestured toward the screen.
"Recovery Serum was developed to help the body move through difficult and peak cycles more efficiently. It regulates the body's natural response, reduces excessive pheromone release and discomfort, and helps prevent the severe exhaustion that often follows."
Medical representatives watched the presentation closely while reporters raised their cameras.
Sebastian continued.
"This is not about suppressing the body. It is about helping it function the way it should."
A few investors nodded as the presentation moved to the next slide.
Everything looked controlled and professional, exactly the kind of launch Onyx had spent months preparing.
Sebastian continued explaining the serum's intended effects, safety testing, and clinical results while Kael watched from the side of the stage.
Elio raised his camera with the other reporters and took several photographs.
Behind the mask, his expression remained neutral, but his attention stayed on the security officer around the ballroom.
Kael's voice came through his comm.
"Stand by."
Elio lowered the camera.
On stage, Sebastian continued.
"And with the launch of Recovery Serum, Onyx Biomedical Solutions is introducing a modern approach to cycle management, building on the inhibitors and suppressants patients have relied on for years while offering a more effective way to support the body through the cycle."
"Now," Kael said.
Ada cut the presentation.
The screen flickered.
Sebastian stopped mid-sentence.
The Recovery Serum logo disappeared, replaced by footage of a hospital room.
For a moment, the audience did not understand what they were seeing.
A patient lay unconscious on a hospital bed while a monitor beside him began alarming.
Vivian's expression changed as she stared at the screen. The color drained slightly from her face, and her fingers tightened around the edge of her chair.
"He's crashing."
A nurse rushed toward the bed.
"Code blue! Code blue!"
The doctor started chest compressions while another nurse prepared medication.
The monitor continued to scream.
"Charge."
The defibrillator beeped.
"Clear."
The patient's body jerked. Nothing happened.
"Again."
Another shock.
The monitor flattened.
The doctor checked the patient's pulse again, then looked at the monitor.
There was no response. The doctor slowly stepped back from the bed.
"Time of death, 7:17 a.m."
Sebastian's expression hardened. He immediately turned toward the technician operating the presentation system and sharply gestured for him to shut it down.
The technician rushed to the controls and pressed the button.
Nothing happened.
He tried again, then looked back at Sebastian and shook his head.
Sebastian stepped closer, his expression tightening.
"What do you mean you can't?"
The technician pointed toward the controls and tried again.
"It's not responding, sir."
A murmur spread through the ballroom as reporters began whispering to one another, cameras turning toward the stage.
The Minister of Defense went still. Beside him, the Minister of Science had stopped speaking. Their eyes met for a brief moment, both immediately understanding the danger of what was playing on the screen.
Sebastian stepped toward the microphone.
"That video is completely fake."
The footage continued playing behind him.
A reporter called out.
"Then why was it shown during an Onyx presentation?"
"We're looking into it."
"Was that an Onyx patient?"
The footage changed again.
A figure entered the frame and walked toward the room, but the angle never showed the person's face.
"Delete everything connected to the patient."
"Yes, sir."
"Handle the records, the staff, everything. Make sure nothing gets out."
The figure turned and disappeared from the camera's view.
The screen went black.
Murmurs spread through the ballroom.
"What was that?"
"Who was the patient?"
"Was this an Onyx trial?"
"Is that footage real?"
"Did Onyx know about this?"
Maximillian's gaze sharpened, the calm in his eyes disappearing. He moved onto the stage and stepped beside Sebastian.
Sebastian looked toward him.
"Chairman..."
Maximillian took the microphone.
"Everyone, please."
The room gradually quieted.
"I understand the questions. We've just been shown footage that we haven't verified. Onyx will investigate where it came from and whether it has been altered."
A reporter shouted.
"Are you denying that those people are connected to Onyx?"
"I'm saying we need to verify the footage before making accusations."
Another reporter raised his voice.
"Then will Onyx cooperate with an investigation?"
"Of course."
Maximillian's voice remained steady.
"We have nothing to hide."
Kael kept his attention on the security personnel surrounding Maximillian, quietly watching for the right moment.
The E-Class Alpha near the press area was the one they had chosen. Kael had identified him from Maximillian's security records as one of the men who had already been given Sovereign.
Kael had created the destabilizer from his research on Sovereign. He had originally been trying to find a way to restore the pheromones and abilities taken from the harvested patients, but every formula had failed.
The damage was too severe.
What he eventually discovered was that he could use the same serum to temporarily disrupt Sovereign inside the body instead.
If he couldn't undo what his father had done, then he would find another way to stop him.
Once it reacted, the drug would send the subject's pheromones and physical instincts out of control. The effect would last ten minutes. That was all they needed.
Elio lowered his camera and moved with the other reporters, slowly closing the distance between himself and the security officer.
Kael watched him approach.
Elio stopped beside the E-Class Alpha and lifted his camera toward the stage, making it look as though he was trying to get a better shot.
His free hand slipped beneath his jacket.
The compact injector was already in his palm.
He turned slightly and pressed it against the E-Class Alpha's side through the fabric.
Click.
The E-Class Alpha's shoulders tightened.
His head turned slightly, but Elio had already stepped away.
He lowered his camera and continued moving with the other reporters.
"Done," he murmured behind the mask.
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then the E-Class Alpha's breathing changed.
He reached for the edge of the nearest table as his fingers began to tremble.
Kael saw the E-Class Alpha stiffen from where he stood near the stage.
The destabilizer had entered his bloodstream.
A moment later, the Sovereign inside his body reacted.
The affected Alpha's pheromones suddenly surged through the ballroom, heavy and uncontrolled. His heart raced, his breathing became uneven, and the tremors running through his body grew stronger.
The closest Alpha security personnel immediately sensed the change.
One of them turned sharply.
"What's happening?"
The affected Alpha looked around, his eyes unfocused as the effects continued to build.
"Stay back."
The warning came too late.
He shoved the table away with enough force to send it crashing into several people nearby.
Glass shattered across the floor.
A female reporter stumbled backward as the table came toward her.
"Get away!"
She screamed and covered her face as the table crashed onto the floor beside her.
One of the security officers immediately grabbed the affected Alpha by the arm. But he reacted instinctively, swinging hard and striking the security officer across the chest, sending him into a row of chairs.
Another Alpha security officer rushed toward him.
The E-Class Alpha caught the security officer by the shoulder and threw him sideways.
The security officer crashed into another table, knocking several glasses onto the floor.
"Get him!"
The Chairman's right-hand man immediately looked toward the disturbance.
The other two E-Class Alpha security personnel assigned to Maximillian moved in at once.
They approached from opposite sides.
The E-Class Alpha turned toward one of them and attacked.
The security officer caught his arm, but the E-Class Alpha broke free and struck him across the jaw.
The second security officer rushed in from behind.
He shoved the E-Class Alpha into a table.
The table overturned, sending several people stumbling backward.
More security personnel rushed toward them.
The ballroom descended into chaos as guests moved away from the violence and reporters raised their cameras.
"What's happening to him?"
"Is he sick?"
"Someone get a medic!"
The E-Class Alpha struck another security officer before two more managed to pull him away.
Elio kept moving with the reporters, using the confusion to make his way toward the west corridor.
He had almost reached it when one of the reporters stumbled into the path of a falling table.
Elio reacted without thinking. He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the way.
He stared at her, shaken.
"Thank you."
Elio gave her a quick nod before turning toward the corridor.
He continued toward the exit. He had barely entered the corridor when another security officer noticed him.
The security officer stopped and looked him over carefully. His gaze moved from the press badge to the camera, then to the mask covering Elio's face.
Something about him felt wrong.
"You! Stop!"
Elio turned.
Shit.
The officer approached.
"Press access doesn't extend back here."
"I was trying to get a better shot."
The officer studied him for another second, suspicion still written across his face.
"Back to the ballroom."
He reached for Elio's arm.
Elio stepped out of reach, but the officer caught him before he could get past. Elio twisted sharply, breaking free for a second, only for the officer to grab him again and pull him back.
Elio struck him across the ribs, carefully controlling his strength so the blow would not reveal what he was capable of.
The security officer stumbled backward but quickly regained his balance, his suspicion only deepening as he studied Elio.
"You're not a reporter."
The officer reached for him again, and Elio stepped back, already looking for a way past him.
Vyn had been moving with the security detail as they responded to the disturbance. When he saw Elio being cornered, he broke away and followed him into the corridor.
Elio immediately understood.
It was the backup plan.
If he was caught before reaching the service corridor, Vyn would draw the attention away from him and give him a chance to escape.
Vyn pulled out the injector and pressed it against his own side.
The destabilizer entered his system.
For a few seconds, Vyn stood completely still. Then his body jerked, his hand catching against the wall as his breathing broke and his fingers tightened against the surface.
The security officer turned toward him.
"Young Master?"
The moment Vyn's pheromones hit him, his instincts kicked in, and he released his own pheromones to counter the pressure.
His head lifted, but there was no recognition in his eyes. Whatever control he normally had over his instincts was gone.
The security officer's pheromones grew stronger as he tried to resist Vyn's overwhelming presence.
Then Vyn lunged.
The officer barely managed to raise his arms before Vyn slammed him into the wall.
The impact shook the corridor.
The officer tried to fight back.
Vyn struck him again, sending him stumbling several feet away.
More Alpha security personnel rushed toward them, immediately releasing their own pheromones as they tried to contain Vyn.
"Get him!"
Vyn turned toward the nearest Alpha and attacked.
He fought without hesitation, striking at anyone who came within reach.
The reporters near the ballroom began turning their cameras toward the corridor. The clash of Alpha pheromones reached them almost immediately, making several of them stagger and cover their noses as the air grew heavy.
Some stepped back, visibly affected by the pressure, but the cameras never stopped recording.
"What is happening?"
"Is that Vyn?"
"That's Vyn Mercier!"
One reporter raised his camera higher, refusing to miss a second of what was happening.
Vyn's breathing was ragged as he fought another Alpha.
The press captured every second.
Elio watched for only a second as the security personnel closed in on Vyn. Their attention had completely shifted to Vyn, leaving the path ahead clear.
Kael's voice came through his earpiece.
"Elio, you need to leave now."
Elio's chest tightened as he watched Vyn struggle against them.
Kael's voice came through again.
"He'll be okay. It'll wear off in ten minutes," Kael assured him. "We'll take care of him."
Elio nodded.
Then he turned and moved quickly toward the service corridor.
Behind him, Vyn continued fighting.
He was no longer aware of the cameras or the reporters surrounding him. He couldn't hear their questions or know that Elio had already left. All that remained was the violent reaction inside his body.
The reporters continued filming.
"What the hell did Onyx do to him?"
"Is this connected to the hospital footage?"
"Was Vyn experimented on?"
"Why is he reacting the same way as the security officer?"
Elio pushed through the service door and ran down the west service corridor toward the loading bay.
Ada spoke through the comm while working through the security system from the van.
"I'm deleting the feeds."
Elio reached the end of the corridor.
A black van waited near the hotel service exit.
Aris was behind the wheel.
"Get in."
Elio climbed inside, and Ada immediately pulled the door shut.
Aris drove away from the loading bay.
Only after the van had put some distance between them and the hotel did Elio remove the press badge and pull the mask down from his face.
He took a deep breath.
Ada checked the monitors.
"You're not on the active feeds anymore."
Elio nodded.
Kael's voice came through the comm.
"Mission accomplished."
Elio looked back at the hotel disappearing behind them.
Back inside the ballroom, Vyn continued fighting.
The first security team struggled to contain both E-Class Alphas. Maximillian's right-hand man immediately stepped in with the other two E-Class Alphas, each taking position around the two men while additional S-Class personnel moved in to assist.
It took several of them to finally bring both Vyn and the other E-Class Alpha under control.
Maximillian stared at Vyn. His expression had changed completely.
"Get them out of here."
The security team began moving both men away from the cameras.
Vyn's body suddenly shook.
His movements became slower, and his breathing grew heavier as the destabilizer finally began to wear off.
His strength gave out.
He dropped to one knee.
The S-Class Alpha holding him tightened his grip.
Vyn tried to stand, but his legs gave out again. The pheromones slowly began to settle. His breathing remained heavy as he looked around the ballroom.
The cameras were still pointed at him.
Reporters were still watching.
He looked confused, as though he could not understand why everyone was staring.
A medic approached cautiously.
"Sir, can you hear me?"
Vyn looked at him but didn't answer.
The medic crouched beside him.
"Can you stand?"
Vyn slowly pushed himself up.
His gaze moved across the ballroom before settling on Maximillian.
He had no idea what had happened during the last few minutes.
Across the room, the affected E-Class Alpha was also being restrained by the S-Class security personnel. His body had begun to settle as well.
Within minutes, the footage of the hospital patient's death was no longer confined to the ballroom.
Major news networks began airing the footage, while breaking-news alerts spread across television broadcasts, news websites, and social media. The hospital recording circulated alongside videos of the chaos that had followed inside the hotel.
Across the city, the headlines appeared one after another.
HOSPITAL PATIENT DIES IN FOOTAGE SHOWN DURING ONYX LAUNCH
ONYX BIOMEDICAL LAUNCH INTERRUPTED BY VIOLENT SECURITY INCIDENT
ONYX FACES QUESTIONS AFTER DEATH IS BROADCAST DURING SERUM PRESENTATION
AXIOM'S VYN LOSES CONTROL DURING ONYX EVENT
WAS VYN MERCIER AN ONYX EXPERIMENT?
But it wasn't only the news outlets talking.
Fans and netizens began connecting things that had never seemed related before.
Vyn's sudden loss of control brought Axis and Dane to mind. Both AXIOM members had been on hiatus, and with no explanation beyond that, fans began wondering if there was more to their absence.
Then attention turned to Elio.
Some fans questioned why he had disappeared again so soon after returning to the public eye with ELYS.
Others began digging into older rumors surrounding Empire Onyx.
Stories about trainees who had allegedly died during their time with the agency resurfaced. Old posts about employees who had supposedly disappeared without explanation were shared again, with fans questioning whether those incidents had ever really been investigated.
Theories spread quickly.
Some suggested that Empire Onyx had been experimenting on its idols. Others wondered if Vyn's reaction could somehow be connected to the unexplained hiatuses of Axis and Dane.
Still, the similarities were enough to fuel speculation.
Fans began flooding Empire Onyx's social media accounts with questions about Vyn, Axis, Dane, and Elio.
What had once been scattered rumors were now being discussed together.
And for the first time, people were starting to question what had really been happening behind the doors of Empire Onyx.
Inside the van, Elio watched the headlines appear on Ada's monitor.
Aris kept driving as the hotel disappeared behind them.
The story had already escaped Onyx's control.
Then another news broadcast appeared on the monitor.
The screen showed the Prime Minister speaking from Government House.
The caption beneath him read:
PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO ONYX BIOMEDICAL
The Prime Minister's expression was serious.
"What happened today raises serious questions that cannot be ignored."
The reporters listened closely.
"Our government will conduct a full investigation into Onyx Biomedical Solutions and Onyx Group, including the footage presented at today's event, the circumstances surrounding the patient's death, and the two individuals who experienced severe and unexplained reactions during the launch."
A reporter called out.
"Prime Minister, are you suggesting Onyx is involved in illegal experimentation?"
The Prime Minister looked toward the press.
"I am saying that the allegations are serious enough to require a proper investigation. No company, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law."
Inside the van, no one spoke.
Elio watched the screen as the Prime Minister's statement continued to play.
For the first time, Onyx was being investigated in full view of the public.
And this time, everyone was watching.
———
Back at Onyx Group headquarters, reporters were already swarming the building.
News vans lined the street outside as journalists gathered around the main entrance, calling out questions whenever employees or executives passed through. Security had been forced to block the doors as cameras and microphones crowded the barricades.
Inside, an emergency meeting was already underway.
The conference room was brightly lit, but the atmosphere inside felt cold.
Maximillian sat at the head of the long table, his posture perfectly composed. His hand rested against the armrest while his right-hand man stood a few steps behind him, silent and watchful.
Sebastian, Kael, Vivian, and several members of the Board of Directors sat around the table.
No one seemed willing to speak first.
Maximillian finally broke the silence.
"Explain what happened."
Sebastian straightened.
"We're still investigating how someone managed to enter the hotel and disrupt the launch."
Maximillian's eyes narrowed.
"The hotel was secured for our event."
"Yes, Chairman."
"And yet someone got inside, caused a security incident, and turned the launch into a national scandal."
Sebastian lowered his gaze.
"We'll identify whoever was responsible."
Maximillian's fingers tightened against the armrest.
"I expect you to."
His voice remained calm, but the warning behind it was unmistakable.
"I want to know who they are, how they got inside, and whether anyone on our side helped them."
"Yes, Chairman."
Maximillian held Sebastian's gaze for another moment before turning toward his right-hand man.
"And the recording?"
His right-hand man stepped forward.
"We're tracing the source now."
A brief change passed through Kael's expression, gone almost as quickly as it appeared. His fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the table before he relaxed them again.
Maximillian's expression hardened.
"Do it immediately. Find who recorded it, who released it, and everyone who had access to the footage. I want names on my desk."
"Yes, Chairman. I'll report to you as soon as we have something."
Maximillian gave a slight nod and turned back toward the table.
One of the directors cleared his throat.
"Chairman, there are already concerns from the investors."
Maximillian looked at him.
"Our shares have been affected by the incident. Several major shareholders are demanding answers."
Another director added carefully, "If the investigation continues publicly, investor confidence could fall further."
"Then control what you can."
His gaze shifted to Sebastian.
"The Recovery Serum launch is also under scrutiny. Investors are questioning whether the reaction from the security detail and Vyn was connected to the serum."
Sebastian nodded.
"We're already receiving those questions."
"Give them nothing."
Maximillian's tone sharpened.
"No speculation. No unauthorized statements. No one speaks to the press without approval."
"Yes, Chairman."
"You will cooperate with the investigation. Keep the executive team in place and follow every order from the authorities."
"Understood."
Maximillian turned to Kael.
"Keep every department under your control operational. Have whatever the investigators request ready."
Kael met his eyes.
"We will."
A director glanced down at his tablet.
"The government has already requested information from several departments."
Maximillian leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping once against the armrest before going still.
"Anything else?"
"The investigation appears to be expanding."
Before anyone could continue, Maximillian's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and answered.
"Yes?"
He listened, his jaw tightening slightly.
"When?"
He listened again.
"Understood."
The call ended.
Maximillian placed the phone on the table.
"The Prime Minister has ordered a full investigation into Onyx."
The directors exchanged uneasy looks.
Another director spoke.
"The financial regulator has also ordered a temporary halt on trading in our shares."
Maximillian's fingers pressed against the table.
"How long?"
"Until the situation is reviewed."
Maximillian's gaze moved across the room.
"Then suspend all pharmaceutical and research operations until further notice."
The directors exchanged uneasy looks.
His eyes settled on Sebastian.
"Keep the rest of the company functioning. I don't want this investigation spreading beyond what's already been exposed."
"Yes, Chairman."
Maximillian turned toward Kael.
"Coordinate with him. Make sure every department is prepared for the investigation."
Kael nodded.
"We will."
Before Maximillian could continue, voices rose outside the conference room.
The security officers at the door were speaking with someone.
"Sir, this area is restricted."
"We're here regarding the investigation."
"You need authorization to enter."
"We have it."
The voices grew louder.
Maximillian slowly turned toward the doors.
Two security officers stood in front of them as several investigators approached. The lead investigator held out the authorization.
"This is a private meeting."
"It's an active investigation."
The security officers refused to move.
"You'll have to wait for clearance."
The investigator's expression hardened.
"We've already been authorized to enter."
Neither officer stepped aside.
The investigators moved forward, pushing past the security detail and entering the conference room. More security officers appeared in the hallway, but by then the investigators were already inside.
Maximillian remained seated, his eyes moving from the investigators to the security officers who had failed to stop them.
The lead investigator looked toward Sebastian.
"Mr. Sebastian Noctis."
Sebastian turned.
"We need you to come with us for questioning."
Sebastian's expression tightened.
"Am I under arrest?"
"No. We need your statement regarding the Recovery Serum launch and information that has come to light since the incident."
Sebastian looked toward Maximillian.
Maximillian met his eyes.
There was no panic in his expression, only a cold, deliberate warning. Sebastian understood it immediately. Say nothing unnecessary. Let the company's legal team handle the rest.
Maximillian finally spoke.
"Take one of our legal representatives with you."
Sebastian gave a small nod.
"Understood."
His eyes briefly shifted toward Vivian.
She had gone still in her seat, her concern visible for only a moment before she composed herself again.
"I'll have the legal team meet you there," she said quietly.
Sebastian gave her a brief look before turning back to the investigators.
"Let's go."
The investigators stepped aside and allowed him through.
As Sebastian passed, Maximillian continued watching him, his expression making the warning clear without another word.
The doors closed behind them.
The directors began gathering their things. Vivian followed them out, while Kael remained behind.
"Dad... I got the preliminary results from the medical team. They didn't find any other drug in Vyn or your security officer."
Maximillian's expression tightened.
"Maybe it's a delayed reaction from the Sovereign. A side effect that only appears under certain conditions."
Maximillian said nothing for a moment.
"Send me the report."
"I will."
Kael left the room.
The right-hand man remained behind. Once the doors closed, Maximillian turned toward him.
"Seal the underground laboratory."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Move everything to the Mercier Estate. Records, test results, research data, every remaining specimen, and the restricted archives."
Maximillian's eyes hardened.
"Anything that could expose Onyx goes with them."
"Yes, Chairman. I'll take care of it."
Maximillian stepped closer.
"And find whoever is behind this."
His right-hand man met his gaze.
"We'll find them."
His right-hand man turned and left.
The door closed behind him.
Maximillian remained alone in the conference room.
For years, he had built Onyx into something powerful enough that people learned to stay out of its way. Every part of the company had been built around his influence, his connections, and the people who answered to him.
Now someone had managed to walk into that world, expose something that was never meant to become public, bring the government to his doorstep, and try to destroy his empire.
His hand slowly tightened around the edge of the table.
Maximillian picked up his phone again.
There was one more person he needed to speak to.
He dialed the Minister of Justice.
The Minister answered after several rings.
"Hello, Chairman."
"I need your help."
"I heard about the investigation."
"Then you know why I'm calling."
The Minister was silent for a moment before answering carefully.
"I can make things easier where I can, but I can't stop this."
Maximillian's grip tightened around the phone.
"Then you should start being very careful about how useful you are to me."
The Minister fell silent.
Maximillian's voice remained low.
"You've held that position because I trusted you to handle matters when I needed them handled. I don't expect excuses now."
"I understand. But the Prime Minister personally ordered the investigation," the minister said carefully. "I can influence how the process is handled, but I cannot promise that I can stop it. I'll do everything within my authority."
Maximillian's expression hardened.
"Then use every bit of that authority. I won't tolerate anyone standing in the way of my interests, and I won't forget who chose to be useful when I needed them."
The Minister swallowed.
"I understand, Chairman."
"That's all."
The call ended.
Maximillian slowly lowered the phone.
He stood alone in the empty conference room, his expression unreadable.
His right-hand man was already carrying out his orders.
The investigation had begun, but Maximillian had no intention of allowing anyone to decide the fate of the empire he had spent years building.
His eyes settled on the closed doors.
Someone had shaken his empire.
That was not something Maximillian intended to forgive.
———
Vyn was taken to the hospital building of Onyx Biomedical Solutions along with the other E-Class security personnel who had been restrained after their violent outburst at the launch.
By the time they arrived, reporters had already surrounded the entrance. Cameras and microphones crowded behind the security barriers, with questions being shouted whenever Vyn was brought into view.
"Vyn, are you alright?"
"Were you experimented on by Onyx?"
"Was your reaction connected to the Recovery Serum?"
"Vyn, can we get a statement?"
Vyn kept his head down and said nothing as security personnel moved him through the entrance. The reporters continued calling after him, but he was quickly taken to a private room on one of the upper medical floors.
The examination began almost immediately.
Onyx scientists worked under Maximillian's orders, taking blood samples and checking Vyn's pheromone levels, heart rate, body temperature, and other physical responses. They ran several scans and repeated some of the tests when the results failed to give them a clear explanation.
Vyn answered only when necessary.
The blood tests eventually showed traces of an unfamiliar compound in his system. The scientists could tell that it was a drug, but its structure was close enough to Sovereign that they couldn't identify it immediately. They needed to compare the samples against their existing records and run further tests before they could determine exactly what it was.
For now, all they knew was that the compound had triggered the violent reaction.
By late afternoon, the VIP room had finally grown quiet.
Vyn was resting against the pillows when the door opened. Joey walked in first, followed by Lee and Reon.
Lee stopped the moment he saw him.
"Shit... What the hell happened at that launch?"
Reon came in behind him, still looking stunned.
"Was there really some kind of attack? I saw the videos, it's chaotic."
Vyn looked between them before settling back against the pillows.
"It got out of control."
Lee stared at him.
"That's putting it mildly."
He moved closer to the bed while Reon pulled a chair toward the side of the room.
"The whole thing is everywhere. Reporters haven't left the building. Every network wants an interview."
Vyn's expression remained calm.
"They're not getting one."
Lee let out a short breath.
"They're asking if Onyx experimented on you. Some of them are already connecting it to Axis and Dane's hiatus."
Vyn looked down at his hands for a moment before answering.
"They can ask whatever they want. I also don't have answers."
Reon shook his head.
"And now Empire's getting dragged into it too."
Vyn gave a small shrug.
"Looks like we're getting a long vacation."
Reon actually smiled at that.
"Honestly, I wouldn't mind that. I've been wanting to travel for months. If Empire shuts everything down for a while, I'm not complaining."
Lee looked at both of them.
"You two are unbelievable."
His expression turned more serious as he leaned against the edge of the table.
"But seriously... What if this gets worse?"
Reon's expression tightened as he looked toward Vyn.
"With everything happening now, what if Empire decides to disband us?"
Vyn remained quiet for a moment before answering.
"Whatever happens, we'll get through it."
Reon lowered his gaze.
"I just want us to stay together."
Vyn looked at him.
"We will."
The answer seemed to settle something in Reon. Lee glanced toward the clock before straightening.
"You should rest."
Reon nodded.
"Get some sleep."
"Thank you for visiting."
Joey finally stepped forward.
"You two wait for me in the van. I'll be right there."
"Got it," Reon replied. "Bye, Vyn!"
Vyn waved at them.
Lee gave Vyn one last look before heading toward the door with Reon. A moment later, the door closed behind them.
Vyn looked toward Joey.
"You're not going?"
"In a minute."
Joey pulled the chair closer and sat beside the bed.
"How's Elio? Are you two back together?"
A faint smile touched Vyn's lips.
"He's okay. And yeah... we're back together."
Joey's expression softened.
"I'm happy for both of you. I just hope Elio doesn't dump you again."
Vyn let out a quiet laugh.
"Very funny."
"I'm serious. I don't want to see you moping around like that again."
Vyn laughed. "I wasn't that bad."
"You were." Joey laughed. "You were miserable. You barely talked, barely ate, and kept checking your phone every five minutes."
Vyn sighed.
"I was just having a hard time."
"Yeah, I know." Joey smiled. "But watching you stare at your phone like Elio was going to suddenly text you back was painful."
Vyn gave him a look.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Maybe a little."
Vyn shook his head, but he was smiling now.
"Asshole."
"See? That's more like you."
Vyn was still smiling when Joey continued.
"And what about Axis and Dane?"
"They're safe."
Joey nodded, visibly relieved.
"Good. At least they're safe."
His smile faded as he leaned back in the chair and let out a tired breath.
"Everything's a mess right now. The launch is all over the news, Onyx is under investigation, and there are reporters outside every Onyx building. Everyone's asking about you, Axis, Dane, and Elio."
Vyn listened quietly.
Joey rubbed a hand over his face.
"Part of me thinks this could be the downfall of your father."
Vyn gave no indication of what he was thinking.
Joey continued, "But then again, the old man has too much power. Too many connections. Too many people willing to answer his calls."
Vyn looked at him.
"That devil won't make it easy."
Joey gave a humorless laugh.
"Exactly."
His eyes dropped toward the floor before he looked back at Vyn.
"I just hope all of you can get through this without anyone else getting hurt."
"We will... hopefully."
Joey studied him for a moment, then nodded.
"I hope so."
He stood and pushed the chair back into place.
"I should go. Lee and Reon are waiting."
Vyn gave him a faint smile.
"Take care."
Joey was already heading toward the door when he stopped with one hand on the frame and looked back at him.
"And, seriously, try to stay out of trouble for at least one day."
Vyn's mouth curved slightly.
"No promises."
Joey let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, I figured," he muttered before finally slipping out.
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the hospital room quiet again.
Vyn settled farther into the pillows and let out a slow breath. He should have closed his eyes and gone back to sleep, but instead he reached for his phone and called Elio.
It rang twice before Elio answered.
"Vyn? Hey, are you okay?"
Vyn smiled at the worry in his voice.
"I'm fine. Are you guys back at the safe house?"
"Yeah, we got back a while ago. We're checking everything and keeping an eye on the news. What about you? How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right. Just tired."
"You scared me back there."
Vyn gave a quiet laugh. "I know. But you really don't have to worry that much. I can handle myself."
"I know you can," Elio said, his voice softening. "That doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to stop worrying about you."
Vyn smiled and rested his head against the pillow.
"All right, fair enough. I'll stay here for a while, get some rest, and then I'll find a way to come to you."
"You better rest first," Elio said. "And don't even think about sneaking out."
Vyn chuckled. "I won't. I promise."
"Good boy."
Vyn laughed softly, his eyes falling shut for a moment.
"I missed you so much."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Elio spoke again, and Vyn could already hear the change in his voice.
"So..."
Vyn smiled. "So?"
"I saw you back there."
Vyn let out a quiet, knowing laugh.
"Don't tell me... you're jealous."
"I'm not jealous."
The answer came so quickly that Vyn could literally picture the stubborn expression on Elio's face.
"You sound very sure of yourself."
"Because I am. I just don't understand why she had to cling to your arm like that."
Vyn's smile widened.
"See... you are jealous."
"No fucking way."
"I like that you're jealous and possessive."
"I'm not jealous."
"You are. Obviously."
"I'm not. But I can be possessive."
Vyn laughed under his breath.
"Okay, okay... you're not jealous."
Elio sighed. "I'm just saying, she could've stood beside you without attaching herself to you."
"You really noticed every little detail, huh?"
"I was paying attention to the mission."
"Mm-hm."
"I was."
"Of course you were."
There was another small silence before Elio added, "And you smiled at her."
Vyn smiled and raised an eyebrow.
"I was smiling for the cameras."
"You looked pretty convincing."
Vyn laughed again. "Don't tell me you're actually keeping track of how convincing I looked."
"I'm not keeping track of anything."
"Right."
"I'm serious."
Vyn settled deeper into the pillows, still smiling.
"You know, you could just admit you didn't like seeing me with her."
"I don't have anything to admit."
His voice was calm and completely unapologetic, and Vyn could hear the stubbornness underneath it.
"All right," Vyn said, still smiling. "We'll leave it at that."
"Good."
"But, for what it's worth, I wasn't thinking about her."
Elio went quiet for a second.
"Who were you thinking about, then?"
Vyn's smile softened.
"You."
A small laugh came from the other end of the line.
"You really know how to get yourself out of trouble."
"Maybe I do."
"You're still annoying."
"And you're still jealous."
"I'm hanging up."
"No, no..." Vyn laughed, his voice softening as he shifted against the pillows. "Besides, you know she's not my type. Not even close."
"Oh yeah?" Elio let out a dry, disbelieving breath. "And what exactly is your type, huh?"
"Someone with cute mismatched eyes," Vyn murmured, his thumb brushing along the edge of his phone, "who looks like an angel and..."
"And?"
"Who moans really loud."
Elio suddenly laughed, the last of his irritation finally giving way.
"Oh god, you're unserious."
Vyn smiled.
"I just miss you."
The teasing faded from Elio's voice.
"I miss you too."
"I wish you were right here with me. I miss your scent so bad it's driving me crazy. I want to keep you all to myself, trace every inch of you, and love you so hard."
"You'll get to have me soon."
"I know. I just want to smell you again..." Vyn let out a quiet laugh before adding, "and devour you."
Elio laughed. "There you go."
"What?"
"You really can't say anything sweet without making it pervy, can you?"
Vyn smiled.
"Only with you."
Elio laughed softly.
"Yeah, I know. But that's not helping your case."
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. Stop being sulky. You're the only one for me, you know that."
Elio laughed again, shaking his head even though Vyn couldn't see him.
"You should really get some sleep."
"I will. I'll sleep and dream about you."
"Whatever."
Vyn laughed softly.
"And you still love me."
Elio was quiet for a second before answering with a reluctant little laugh.
"Unfortunately."
Vyn's expression softened.
"I love you too."
"Get some rest, Vyn. We'll talk later, okay?"
"Yeah. You too. And don't stay up all night worrying about me."
"I'll try."
"That's all I'm asking."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
The call ended, but Vyn kept staring at his phone with a stupid little smile on his face.
A quiet giggle escaped him, so unlike him that he almost looked embarrassed by it.
Just then, the door opened.
A nurse stepped inside and stopped when she saw him.
"O-oh... I'm here to check your vitals."
Vyn quickly composed himself, clearing his throat as he set his phone aside.
The nurse gave him an amused look but said nothing as she walked over to check his blood pressure.
Vyn leaned back against the pillows, still unable to completely hide the smile on his face.
———
Several days had passed since the rare-tier Omega died in the ICU, and the hospital had already returned to its usual routine. Patients came and went, doctors moved between wards, and nurses continued their shifts as though nothing unusual had happened.
But the nurse who had been there that night couldn't forget what she had seen.
Over the past year, she had learned enough about Onyx through Kael to understand what was happening to the rare-tier patients.
That was why Kael had given her the camera and asked her to record that particular patient.
When the rare-tier Omega was brought into the ICU, she hid the camera where it wouldn't be noticed. It captured the bed and enough of the room to show what was happening, but never gave a clear view of anyone's face.
She kept the camera running until the room finally fell quiet.
Afterward, she reported the patient's death to Kael and returned the camera to him.
On the morning of the Recovery Serum launch, the nurse was sitting in the staff lounge during her break when the television above the counter suddenly switched to a breaking-news report.
The anchor appeared on screen as footage from the Recovery Serum launch played behind him.
"Breaking news from this morning's Onyx Biomedical event. During the launch, an unidentified hospital recording was suddenly broadcast to the audience, showing the final moments of a patient who appeared to be receiving emergency treatment."
The nurse slowly lowered her cup.
Around her, several nurses stopped eating and turned toward the television. A few other hospital staff began murmuring among themselves, their voices blending into an indistinct hum beneath the anchor's voice.
"Wait, what?" one of them murmured.
"Is that from Onyx?" another asked.
"Hmm.. I think so."
The footage showed the hospital room she knew all too well.
The nurse beside her leaned closer to the television.
"That looks like an ICU."
Another nurse shook her head.
"Do you think it's from Onyx?"
"I don't know. They haven't said."
The anchor's voice returned.
"Onyx Biomedical has not confirmed whether the footage was recorded inside one of its facilities. However, because the recording was broadcast during the company's Recovery Serum launch, questions are already being raised about whether the patient shown may have been connected to Onyx."
The room grew quieter.
One of the nurses glanced toward her.
"Girl, didn't you work that night?"
Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
"Yes."
"Do you recognize the room?"
She kept her eyes on the television.
"Not really. Most ICUs look the same."
The nurse beside her nodded.
"Yeah, that's so true. Once you've seen enough of them, they all start looking alike."
Around them, the other staff continued whispering, their conversation too low to make out.
The screen changed again, showing reporters surrounding the hotel.
"Onyx has yet to provide an explanation for how the footage appeared during the presentation."
A nurse beside her let out a quiet breath.
"Whoever recorded that must have been inside the hospital."
"Who do you think it was? And why would someone risk doing something like that?"
The nurse lowered her eyes to her cup. She gave a small shake of her head, as though she had no idea.
"I really don't know."
The nurse beside her nodded slowly, then turned her attention back to the television.
Around them, the quiet murmurs continued as the staff watched the news, each person trying to make sense of what they had just seen.
She had known this day would come.
Kael had waited years for a chance to expose what Onyx had been doing, and she had chosen to help him because she knew exactly what was at stake.
She also knew that once the footage became public, Onyx would eventually start looking for whoever had recorded it.
If they came for her, she was prepared.
She finished her coffee, placed the cup on the table, and returned to work.
Immediately after the footage was broadcast, Maximillian's right-hand man began reviewing the hospital surveillance from the night of the patient's death.
With his special-forces background, he started by narrowing down everyone who had access to the ICU. He compared their movements with access logs, shift schedules, and security footage.
Most of the staff were quickly cleared.
Then he reached the nurse.
Nothing directly connected her to the recording, but something about her background caught his attention. Her current records were unusually clean, yet there were small inconsistencies in the dates and older employment information.
Nothing that would prove anything.
But enough to make him suspicious.
He ordered a deeper background check.
The results were the same. Her current identity held up, and there was no clear connection between her and the recording.
Still, his instincts told him not to dismiss her.
He kept her under quiet surveillance for several days, watching her movements and looking for anything that might explain the inconsistencies.
Nothing did.
But he wasn't willing to walk into Maximillian's office with nothing.
"Keep watching her."
His team continued following her movements.
Eventually, they found where she was staying.
That night, she left a small apartment on the outskirts of the city and walked toward the main road alone.
A black sedan was waiting nearby.
She had barely taken a few steps when two men approached her.
One grabbed her arm.
She reacted immediately, twisting away and kicking hard enough to break his grip.
Before she could run, the second man came up behind her and pressed something against the side of her neck.
Her strength disappeared almost instantly.
The street blurred in front of her.
Then everything went black.
When she opened her eyes again, she had no idea where she was.
She was sitting in a chair inside a large room beneath the Mercier Estate, her wrists tied behind her.
For several seconds, she stared ahead, trying to make sense of her surroundings.
Then she saw a familiar face sitting a few feet away.
The Chairman of Onyx Group.
His right-hand man stood beside him.
Maximillian looked at her with a calmness that made the room feel colder.
"I'm glad you're awake."
The nurse swallowed hard.
Maximillian leaned back in his chair.
"I don't want to waste my time, so let's make this simple."
His gaze remained fixed on her.
"You're going to tell me who instructed you to make that recording."
She stared at him, fear visible in her eyes, but she said nothing.
His right-hand man stepped forward.
"If you refuse, this will become much harder for you."
The nurse shook her head.
"Please... I didn't do anything."
Her voice trembled.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about."
Maximillian gave his right-hand man a small nod.
"Take over."
He remained seated, watching.
The right-hand man stepped closer. He didn't look angry, just entirely neutral, which made it worse.
He pulled a small blade from his belt, pinned her hand flat against the armrest, and cut.
She let out a sharp, choked cry as the pain hit her all at once, burning right through her nerves. Her body shook, and her Omega scent turned sour and panicked in the air.
"Who gave you the order?" he asked again, his tone completely flat.
She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. "I don't know anything..." she gasped.
When she still wouldn't talk, he cut again.
She screamed as the pain crashed over her, stealing the breath from her lungs. She squeezed her eyes shut as her body shook uncontrollably.
The right-hand man watched her closely, his expression never changing.
Her voice broke.
"Please... I really don't know anything."
Another wave of pain followed.
Her breathing became uneven, and tears gathered in her eyes.
"Please... stop."
She closed her eyes, and for a moment the room disappeared.
She was back on the bridge.
The same bridge where she had once stood alone, staring down at the river below after losing her husband.
He had been a rare-tier Alpha who worked for Onyx. She had watched him slowly change after something was done to him. His scent disappeared. His abilities faded. He became withdrawn, barely speaking, until one day she received the call that he had taken his own life.
She had never understood why.
Not until Kael found her on that bridge.
She had been ready to follow her husband into the river when Kael saved her and quietly talked her away from the edge. He stayed until she stopped shaking and made sure she got home safely.
A year later, when Kael finally told her what Onyx had done to her husband, everything fell into place.
That was why she had agreed to help him.
That was why she had recorded the patient.
And that was why, even now, she would rather die than give them Kael's name.
The memory faded, and the room came back into focus.
The right-hand man stood in front of her again.
"Who instructed you to record that patient?"
Her breathing shook.
Slowly, she lifted her head.
Her eyes were wet, her face pale, but something had changed in them.
She was still afraid.
But she had made her decision.
The right-hand man saw it.
So did Maximillian.
"She's protecting someone," Maximillian said quietly.
The nurse looked toward him.
He gave her a faint, humorless smile.
"That won't save you."
When she still refused to speak, the right-hand man seized her by the throat and forced her head back against the chair. Her eyes flew wide as she struggled for air, her Omega pheromones surging violently through the room. He held her there until her body began to weaken.
He released her when she could no longer resist.
She coughed weakly, her injured hand slipping from the restraints as her severed fingers lay scattered on the floor beneath the chair. Her breathing had become shallow and uneven.
"Who instructed you to record that patient?"
Her lips trembled.
"I... don't k-know..."
The right-hand man struck her once more.
Her head dropped forward, but her eyes remained wide open, fixed and unseeing.
He checked her pulse and looked toward Maximillian.
"She's gone."
Maximillian stared at her for a moment.
Her eyes were still open.
"Dispose of her."
"Yes, Chairman."
The guards began removing the restraints.
Maximillian remained seated.
"Find whoever instructed her."
His right-hand man nodded.
"Yes, Chairman."
Maximillian finally stood and left the room.
The door closed behind him.
Later that night, the room was cleared, and the nurse's body was removed from the estate.
As they were leaving, one of the guards noticed a phone inside the nurse's bag.
The right-hand man took it.
The screen showed an incoming call.
NORTHSTAR
He answered without saying a word.
The person on the other end remained silent, as though waiting for him to speak first.
The right-hand man stayed silent too.
For several seconds, the line remained open.
Then the call disconnected.
He lowered the phone and handed it to the tech specialist.
"Find out where it came from."
The specialist immediately connected the phone to his system and began checking the device.
A few minutes passed before he frowned.
"This is a burner phone. No registered owner, no personal data, no account information. Even the device records have been wiped."
He continued checking.
"The number is masked too. There's no usable subscriber information or location attached to the call."
"Can you trace it?"
The specialist shook his head.
"Not from this device. Whoever set it up made sure there was nothing here that could lead back to them."
The right-hand man took the phone back.
On the other end of the line, Kael slowly lowered the burner phone.
Something had happened to the nurse.
His expression hardened as he set the phone down.
*******