The neon sign above the convenience store flickered with a rhythmic, irritating buzz, casting long, sickly shadows across the linoleum floor.

The Apex Club was a fortress of glass and steel, accessible only via a private, biometric elevator in the lobby of the Vanguard building. The lobby was guarded by four armed men in sharp suits.

Vance walked through the revolving doors, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor. He didn't try to sneak. He walked directly toward the private elevator.

"Hold it right there, sir," the lead guard stepped forward, resting his hand on his sidearm. "Private event."

Vance didn't stop. He pressed a small button on his briefcase. The handle detached, revealing a high-voltage stun baton. He swung it in a blindingly fast arc, striking the lead guard in the neck. The man dropped like a stone.

Before the other three could draw their weapons, Vance tossed a handful of custom-made smoke pellets—derived from magnesium polishing powder—onto the floor. A blinding, thick white smoke erupted instantly.

Moving entirely on muscle memory and spatial awareness, Vance neutralized the remaining guards in the smoke, using brutal, precise strikes.

He approached the biometric scanner on the elevator. A normal man would be locked out. But Vance wasn't normal. He pulled out the modified micro-torch. A silent, blinding blue flame erupted from the nozzle. In five seconds, he melted the biometric casing, exposing the wiring. He crossed the primary circuits, and the elevator doors chimed happily, sliding open.

The ride to the 80th floor was agonizingly slow. Vance checked his weapon, his breathing slow and steady.

Ding.

The doors opened to a scene of grotesque luxury. Pumping bass vibrated through the floor. The penthouse was filled with the city's worst criminals—cartel bosses, corrupt politicians, and syndicate leaders—drinking champagne and laundering money.

Silas was standing on a raised VIP balcony overlooking the club, holding a microphone. Elena was tied to a chair beside him, her face bruised, looking completely broken.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Silas announced to the cheering crowd. "Tonight, we celebrate the consolidation of power!"