A deafening siren ripped through the Vance Tower boardroom. Red lights flashed, casting a hellish glow on the panicked faces of the shareholders. Screams erupted. Reporters scrambled over each other, their cameras forgotten as they stampeded for the exits. The world’s most powerful financial dynasty was descending into utter chaos. Amidst the pandemonium, Ethan Vance stood perfectly still, his face an unreadable mask of ice. He was the eye of the storm. He turned to his head of security, his voice cutting through the noise with chilling authority. “Evacuate everyone. Now.” Without waiting for a reply, Ethan spun on his heel and strode towards the emergency stairs, moving against the tide of terrified people. He didn't need to be told where the threat was. He was heading straight for the building's foundation, alone. The concrete basement was cold and stark. In the center, strapped to a support pillar, was a military-grade explosive device. A large red digital timer on its face read: 58… 57… Standing beside it with a wild, triumphant grin was his cousin, Brian. He held a small detonator in his hand. “Hello, cousin!” Brian laughed, his eyes wide with madness. “Come to admire my work? A fitting end for the new Chairman, don’t you think? Buried under the rubble of your precious Vance dynasty!” Ethan’s expression didn’t flicker. “Your father is in federal custody. It’s over, Brian. Don’t do this.” “Over?” Brian shrieked, his face contorting. “My father is gone! My life is ruined! This is my revenge! If I can’t have the fortune, no one will! This whole empire dies with us!” The timer clicked past 35 seconds. Brian’s thumb hovered over the red button on the detonator, his knuckles white. “Goodbye, Ethan.” As Brian moved to press the button, Ethan drew his gun and blew his hand apart. Ethan looked at the bomb's screen: only 30 seconds left.

Chapter 16: The 60-Second Deactivation