The hallway was long, cold, and dimly lit by flickering red lights. The man in black walked with steady steps, his coat swaying behind him like a shadow that never let go. He passed through rooms filled with high-tech surveillance, strange experiments, and whispering men in lab coats who dared not meet his eyes.

At the very end, a massive steel door creaked open. Inside stood a throne-like chair—elegant, modern, and intimidating. Ronald Nish sat quietly, his back turned, staring at the many monitors displaying live feeds of cities, networks, and people being watched.

(voice smooth, cold)

“You’re late.”

(kneeling slightly, respectful but not afraid)

“I’m late. Jack confronted me.”

(slowly turning to the chair)

“Jack…”

His face was sharp, mid-50s, eyes calculating like a chess master who already knew how the game would end. He folded his hands and leaned back.

“So… how did it happen?” Ronald asked

“He’s stronger than we expected. He’s no ordinary threat. His power… is at grandmaster level.”

Ronald raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Interesting. I underestimated him. That won’t happen again.”

“He knows your name now. Robinson almost slipped.”

Ronald said with a smile “Let him know. This won’t change anything. If anything, it will fuel him… drive him right into my trap.”

He stood up slowly, walking towards a holographic map that flashed to life—Jack’s location, Mr. Razel, and a red blinking dot labeled: Project Zeta - Final Lock: Selena.

“Selena is still sure that Jack will save her but she is mistaken”

The mind-lock is not broken yet. He is fighting back. We'll need more time." But we must stop Jack just in case.

"Good. I only need time. Once I access the project through him, the world as they know it will change."

He turned away, the light from the monitors casting a red glow on his face.

"Keep watching Jack. Don't get involved again unless necessary. He will come to us eventually... because love makes the strongest men reckless."

"And if he doesn't come alone?"

Ronald smiled, dark and certain.

"Then we will bury them all."