The frustration in the room was palpable. Enzo stood by the large dining table, his hands splayed against the wood as he leaned forward, staring at a detailed map scattered with notes, photographs, and red markers. Milan sat nearby, his elbows on his knees, his icy-blue eyes sharp with concentration. Thiago paced back and forth, running a hand through his hair every few seconds. Jade lingered in the doorway, her arms crossed as she watched the men in their tense silence.
“She’s being protected,” Enzo said finally, his voice cold and clipped. “Some of the most influential people are hiding her. Politicians, business elites—people who owe her favors or are afraid of what she knows.”
Milan nodded, his jaw tightening. “She’s always had powerful connections. That’s how she’s stayed ahead of us for so long.”
Thiago stopped pacing, turning to face them. “So what do we do? Just let her keep playing her games while we chase shadows?”
“No,” Enzo said firmly. “We may not have her yet, but we’ve found one of her hideouts. It’s in the industrial district, tucked between some old warehouses. If we can’t get to her directly, we’ll dismantle everything she’s using.”
Milan’s expression darkened, his voice low and controlled. “If it’s a key location, we can make it clear that we’re not playing around anymore. Destroy it.”
“Bomb it?” Thiago asked, raising an eyebrow. “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”
“No,” Enzo replied sharply. “It sends a message. We’re done chasing her like fools. We make her feel the pressure.”
Thiago smirked faintly, though his eyes remained serious. “Alright. I’m in.”
Jade shifted uncomfortably, stepping further into the room. “Are you sure this is the right move? What if she retaliates? She’s already made it clear she doesn’t care about collateral damage.”
Enzo’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. “This isn’t just about retaliation, Jade. This is about crippling her resources. If we can cut off her access to safe spaces and supplies, it’ll force her into the open.”
“She can’t stay protected forever,” Milan added, his tone unwavering. “Eventually, her connections will abandon her when she becomes a liability.”
Jade nodded slowly, though her chest still felt tight with worry. “Just… be careful, okay?”
Thiago grinned, walking over to ruffle her hair playfully. “Careful is our middle name.”