The city lights outside the penthouse glimmered like distant stars, indifferent to the war quietly unfolding in the Sterlings’ world. Down in the reinforced basement, Alina held Hope close, rocking her gently while keeping her eyes glued to the bank of monitors that displayed every corner of Sterling Tower. Patricia stood beside her, fingers dancing across the controls, adjusting feeds, marking movements, and coordinating silently with the twins.

“East wing, third-floor corridor,” ...