Chapter 1219:
Almost simultaneously, Britton’s steady voice came through the comms. “Talon-I, target strike confirmed at the designated coordinates. Verification completed using multiple sources. The structure and all underground sections have been destroyed. Thermal readings and shockwave patterns match our projections perfectly.”
The control room held its silence.
After several seconds, Felix let out a slow breath, looking utterly drained, and slowly opened his clenched fist to reveal deep crescent marks carved into his palm.
Rylie rose and walked to the wide observation window. Outside, daylight had fully broken, and sunlight shimmered brilliantly across the endless ocean. She turned back toward the room, light cascading over her shoulders, and a quiet, proud smile gradually formed on her face.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work.”
Bе 𝗽𝖺r𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗼𝘂𝘳 cо𝗆𝘮𝘶n𝗂t𝘺 𝗈𝘯 𝗀𝗮𝗅ոo𝘃e𝗹𝘴.𝖼o𝗺
Her words shattered the stillness, releasing the overwhelming tension that had built to its breaking point. Quiet laughter spread through the room first, then grew into uncontrollable cheering, and finally exploded into full celebration.
Phil and the other hackers slapped hands triumphantly. Felix scrubbed his face with both palms, while Kendrick smiled warmly, his expression filled with pride and relief. He gently patted Rylie’s hand and let out a deep sigh. “If your parents could see this, they’d finally feel at peace. You’ve avenged them and done something meaningful for the country. With your talent and your brothers standing beside you, I can finally stop worrying.”
“Grandpa,” Rylie said softly, holding his hand a little tighter. “You weren’t there during my childhood, so you’ll have to make it up to me by living a long, healthy life and staying with me for many more years.”
Kendrick burst into hearty laughter. “Alright — you’ve got a deal!”
Sunlight spread across the entire island, washing away the last of the tension that had hung over the mission.
Rylie arranged for a grand feast to be set up on a cliffside platform overlooking the open sea, with food and drinks laid out in full. The ocean breeze seemed to carry the sweet feeling of victory on it, and even the President called personally to share the news of their success.
Though that was not his only reason for reaching out. He explained that Ares Global’s top leaders had all been gathered at headquarters for an important meeting when the missile struck, killing every one of them instantly. The sole survivor turned out to be Carter, who had been locked away deep within the underground facility. Yes — he was remarkably lucky to still be alive.
The President then asked what Rylie intended to do next, now that Ares Global was leaderless and stumbling in chaos.
Rylie gave a faint, knowing smile. “Plans? Of course I have plans. While I was planning this entire operation, I also planned my reward. I’m sure you understand the value of my contribution. One missile alone costs an enormous sum, and it just eliminated a major national threat. You should be grateful. As for anything beyond that — let’s not push our luck or grow greedy.”
The President grasped her meaning immediately. The spoils of Ares Global were clearly not his to claim.
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