The crisp, cold air of the outside world hit Ethan's face, a stark contrast to the stale, recycled air of the detention center. He paused at the curb, savoring the simple feeling of freedom and the sun on his skin. The city lights seemed brighter, the noises louder, the entire world vibrating with possibility.

Lined up directly in front of the gate were three massive, black SUVs with tinted windows—clearly armored and custom-built. They were a statement of power and wealth that screamed anything but "discretion."

The rear door of the lead vehicle opened, and Jason stepped out. He was impeccably dressed, radiating confidence and strength, just as Ethan remembered him. A genuine, relieved smile spread across Jason's face.

"Welcome back, Boss," Jason said.

Ethan extended his hand. Jason took it, gripping firmly, but then yanked Ethan forward, pulling him into a brief, powerful hug.

"It's good to have you back," Jason said. "I knew you'd survive, but I'm glad you didn't spend the rest of your life in that hellhole."

Ethan laughed, feeling a rush of camaraderie. "You worry too much, Jason."

"The guys did well while you were gone," Jason said, stepping back and speaking in a low, efficient tone. "Jose and Antonio are already free. They're with Santiago now, reviewing their new roles. We've been moving assets."

"Sounds good," Ethan said. He looked critically at the trio of intimidating SUVs. "But I didn't expect you to bring so many people to pick me up. Shouldn't we be more discreet about our association?"

Jason shrugged, a gesture of universal nonchalance.

"Celestial already knows I'm your bodyguard, Boss. I had to pay them a visit to make sure they knew I wasn't involved in the convoy mess," Jason said. "Besides, it's common for Royal Security to have important clients who require a detailed motorcade, isn't it? It maintains the professional image."

"You're right. You're right," Ethan said, realizing the logic. Jason was establishing a public, non-criminal reason for their association. "Let's go. There's a lot to do. Where is Sarah?"

Jason's expression tightened slightly. "She's staying in one of our remodeled apartments downtown. After what happened with the convoy and the public scandal, her parents threw her out of the house. She's been with Lena and Cassandra since that day."

Ethan's eyes hardened at the mention of Sarah's parents. "I understand. I'll go see her soon. But for now, let's head to the University."

"The University, Boss?" Jason asked, surprised.

"Yes. A couple of weeks have passed, and I don't want to get expelled," Ethan said, a sharp, cold glint in his eyes. "I still have unfinished business with an imbecile there."

"Understood, sir," Jason said, opening the rear door of the main SUV. "Let's move."

Ethan slid into the luxurious back seat, and the three SUVs pulled away from the curb and sped off, quickly merging into the city traffic.

As they drove, Ethan settled back, finally able to focus on his long-term plan.

"Jason, have you heard anything about the special building I requested for the company?" Ethan asked, referring to the large, complex property he had arranged to acquire before his arrest.

"Of course," Jason said without looking back. "Everything is ready. Lena personally handled the final acquisition and internal modifications. The zoning is clear. Whenever you are ready, we can finalize the paperwork for you to enter the building as the primary tenant. That way, nobody suspects you're the true owner—it will look like a simple, high-paying rental agreement."

"Perfect. Perfect," Ethan said, rubbing his hands together. "I'll send you a list of specialized components to acquire for me soon. God, it feels good to be out of that old place."

"I know, Boss," Jason said with a hint of sarcasm. "Although, it was a good rest, wouldn't you say? Now we're refreshed and ready to wipe out everyone who crosses us."

The convoy continued to advance, crossing the city rapidly until they reached the massive, sprawling campus of the State University.

"Jason, pull over here," Ethan instructed. "You can continue on. Getting dropped off by a convoy of escorts is a bit too conspicuous for my taste, considering my recent 'exoneration.'"

"Understood," Jason said, pulling the SUV smoothly to the curb a block away from the main entrance. "If you need anything at all, Boss, you know the number. Just call."

"Will do," Ethan said. He stepped out onto the familiar university sidewalk, pulled down the sleeves of his new civilian jacket, and smoothed the front of his shirt. He looked back at Jason and grinned, a dangerous energy coiled within him.

Jason gave a crisp nod, and the three black SUVs accelerated silently, leaving Ethan alone. Ethan took a moment to look at the main administration building before turning and walking purposefully toward the office.

Ethan walked quickly across the sprawling university quad, heading straight for the Office of Admissions, where Dean Alexandria held court. He reached the administrative building and immediately sensed something was wrong.

He noticed papers being hastily removed from the inner offices. All the female staff he recognized and had seen before were conspicuously absent. Instead, a team of young men in casual but focused attire was systematically emptying the rooms—loading books, documents, and computers onto metal carts. It looked less like renovation and more like an emergency evacuation.

Ethan peered into the Dean's main office. It was completely empty. Not a single file remained on the large wooden desk, and even the Dean's personal secretary was gone.

He turned, stopping one of the young men who was pushing a cart piled high with archived folders.

"Hey," Ethan said. "Where is the Dean? Dean Alexandria?"

The young man, looking slightly flustered by the interruption, glanced at Ethan.

"The Dean's office has been temporarily relocated," the young man said, speaking quickly. "All department operations are suspended indefinitely, and all personnel have been moved."

"Relocated where?" Ethan asked.

"I don't know the exact location," the young man said, adjusting the pile of folders. "I was just instructed to retrieve the records."

The young man then maneuvered the cart around Ethan and hurried toward the exit.

Ethan looked back at the empty office, a chill running down his spine. The Dean's disappearance, coupled with the systemic removal of records, wasn't just strange—it felt like a deliberate act of cleaning house.

Something is seriously wrong here, Ethan thought.

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