The golden doors of The Gilded Lily opened to reveal a world of opulent silence and clinking crystal. Ethan walked in with Sarah on his arm, her presence drawing looks of envy and curiosity from the elite diners already seated.

"A table on the balcony, overlooking the skyline. I want the most private spot you have," said Ethan.

The maître d' bowed deeply, recognizing the authority in Ethan's tone. "Of course, Mr. Blake. Right this way."

They were led to a secluded corner of the outdoor terrace. Below them, the city was a carpet of shimmering lights, and the cool night air was a sharp contrast to the heated tension they had shared in the SUV. Sarah leaned back in her chair, a glass of vintage champagne already in her hand, looking at Ethan with a mix of professional admiration and personal desire.

"You move fast, Ethan. From the boardroom to the most exclusive table in the city in under three hours," said Sarah Miller.

"Time is the only currency I don't like to waste," said Ethan.

He was about to say more when a subtle vibration hummed against his temple. The world around him didn't change, but his internal interface flickered to life.

[Master, priority alert. I have successfully scrubbed the video metadata and local feeds for the three Royal helicopters,] said Crul.

Report. When did this happen? thought Ethan.

[Approximately two hours ago, near the Canadian border. Specifically, in the Iron-Peak Mountains, a declassified military zone between Maine and New Brunswick. Jason's team encountered a hidden anti-air battery,] said Crul.

Ethan's expression didn't change, but his eyes hardened. "Sarah, excuse me for a moment. A business matter that won't wait," Ethan said.

"Of course. I'll enjoy the view," said Sarah, sensing the sudden shift in his energy.

Crul, why the hell were they that far north? thought Ethan.

[The logistics data I extracted from the Scavengers indicates a hidden corridor. The shipment isn't staying on the coast. It's moving from their primary warehouse near Boston, heading north through the Kennebec Pass, then deep into the wilderness of Northern Quebec. Their ultimate destination appears to be a fortified port in Greenland (Greenland), specifically a place called Point Black an uncharted bay used for illegal high-tech smuggling,] said Crul.

So they are using the uninhabited frozen north to bypass every radar in North America. Did Jason make it out? thought Ethan.

[Affirmative. They are returning now. However, I have intercepted an encrypted frequency. The Scavengers and an organization identified as Parthenon have realized they were probed. They are deploying an 'extermination squad' to escort the next shipment through the Torngat Mountains before it hits the sea,] said Crul.

Ethan pulled his smartphone from his pocket, keeping his voice low.

"Jason. Report," said Ethan.

"Sir... we are on our way back. Crossing into Maine airspace now. We'll be at the base in a few hours," said Jason. The heavy thrum of rotors vibrated through the line.

"I ordered a simple reconnaissance mission, Jason. What the hell happened in the Iron-Peak Mountains?" said Ethan.

There was a stunned silence on the other end. "How... how did you know the exact location, sir?" asked Jason.

"I have my methods. Now, explain why my stealth units were engaging anti-air batteries," said Ethan.

"I'll accept any punishment you see fit, sir. I was going to brief you the second we touched down. We hit a perimeter we didn't know existed. I'm sorry for blowing our cover; with the mess we made, the members of Parthenon are definitely on high alert now," said Jason.

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he looked out over the dark horizon. "How do you know that name, Jason?"

"Old Falcon. As soon as the first missile launched, he recognized the tactical signature. Then we saw it on a hidden bunker near the ridge—the logo. He told me to pull back immediately," said Jason.

"And what exactly does Old Falcon know about them?" asked Ethan.

"He's only heard rumors, but they were enough to make a veteran like him turn pale. He says Parthenon isn't just a group of guards; they are the masterminds. Rumor has it they're tied to the Kremlin, but no one has ever confirmed their origin. He said that whenever their logo appears, wars end. Entire factions simply... disappear. I truly regret alerting such an organization, please punish me." said Jason.

"Don't worry about the punishment right now, Jason. Stay calm and return safely. Everything is still under control, but the margin for error just vanished," said Ethan.

"Understood, sir. What are your orders for when we touch down?" asked Jason.

"Prepare several assault teams immediately. The enemy transport moves in three days, so we need to mobilize now to leave no footprint in the area. I want you to bring heavy equipment and every weapon possible. I've received intel that a rival group is sending elite reinforcements; this won't be a simple interception, it'll be a war. Make sure every man is ready for the worst," said Ethan.

"I'll start the preparations from the air. We'll have everything ready by the time we hit the base," said Jason with grit in his voice.

"Good. I'll see you in a few hours," said Ethan.

Ethan hung up and slipped the phone into his pocket. He took a second to look out at the city lights, processing the scale of the conflict brewing against Parthenon and the Scavengers. Then, he smoothed his expression, softening the hardness in his eyes, and returned to the table where Sarah was waiting with a glass of wine and a spark of intrigue.

He sat down elegantly across from her and offered a small, apologetic smile.

"My apologies, Sarah. A small inconvenience with some assets in the north. Nothing that can't be handled with the right amount of pressure," said Ethan.

Sarah leaned forward, her pink aura vibrating with a mix of ambition and restrained desire. "What kind of business requires a phone call that urgent in the middle of a dinner like this? What kind of 'matters' are we talking about?" asked Sarah Miller.

Ethan offered her a faint, enigmatic smile, maintaining the shroud of mystery around him. He picked up his glass, the crystal catching the light.

"Just some matters, Sarah. Only matters," said Ethan.

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