Morning sunlight slowly spread across the Carter estate.
The tall trees around the mansion swayed gently in the breeze, and the quiet hum of the estate returning to life could be heard from the gardens.
Servants moved through the hallways.
Security guards rotated shifts.
Everything looked peaceful.
But beneath that calm surface, several minds were already at work.
Inside the dining room, the Carter family had gathered for breakfast.
Richard Carter sat at the head of the table, reading a financial report while sipping his coffee.
Victoria was already working on her tablet.
Isabella looked half-interested in the conversation while scrolling through fashion designs.
Scarlett sat calmly eating, her posture straight and disciplined like a soldier.
Sophia was discussing hospital funding with Richard.
Luna leaned quietly against her chair, watching someone across the table.
Bruce.
Bruce Carter calmly ate his breakfast.
His expression was relaxed.
But his mind was still replaying the message from the night before.
Victor Hale had acknowledged him.
That meant the next step was inevitable.
Contact.
Bruce sipped his juice quietly.
Across the table, Luna suddenly spoke.
"You're thinking again."
Bruce looked up.
"Am I?"
Luna smirked slightly.
"You make the same face every time."
Scarlett glanced over.
"What face?"
Luna pointed lazily.
"That one."
Scarlett studied Bruce for a moment.
"He does look like he's planning something."
Bruce shrugged.
"I was thinking about math homework."
Isabella laughed softly.
"That's the least believable excuse you could've used."
The family chuckled lightly.
But Luna continued watching him.
Her silver eyes narrowed slightly.
Later that afternoon.
Bruce walked through the Carter estate garden again.
The large oak tree where he usually sat stood quietly near the edge of the lawn.
Bruce sat beneath it.
The warm sunlight filtered through the leaves above.
Inside his mind, the drone network continued scanning the city.
Victor Hale's location hadn't changed.
Still inside the penthouse.
But Bruce sensed something different today.
Movement.
Preparation.
Bruce leaned back slightly.
"So the next step begins."
Across the city.
Inside the penthouse suite.
Victor Hale stood beside the large glass window again.
But this time, he wasn't alone.
Two men in black suits stood nearby.
Both were professional negotiators used by Victor during high-level meetings.
Victor turned toward them calmly.
"You understand the situation."
One of the men nodded.
"We're delivering the invitation."
Victor smiled faintly.
"Yes."
The second man hesitated.
"Sir… are you certain about this?"
Victor walked toward the table and picked up a sealed envelope.
"I want to meet him."
The man frowned slightly.
"He's a child."
Victor's smile didn't change.
"No."
He looked toward the skyline again.
"He's a strategist."
Victor handed the envelope to the man.
"Deliver this personally."
At the Carter estate gate.
A black luxury car slowly approached.
The security guard stepped forward.
"State your business."
One of Victor's representatives stepped out of the car.
He handed the guard an envelope.
"This message is for Bruce Carter."
Inside the mansion garden, Bruce suddenly opened his eyes.
His drone feed had already seen the car arrive.
Bruce smiled faintly.
"Right on time."
A few minutes later, one of the house staff approached him.
"Bruce?"
He looked up.
"Yes?"
"A visitor left this for you."
The staff member handed him the envelope.
Bruce examined it carefully.
Thick paper.
Elegant seal.
Professional.
Bruce opened it slowly.
Inside was a simple message.
Mr Bruce Carter,
It seems we have been observing each other for some time.
Rather than continuing this silent game, I propose a conversation.
If you are interested, a car will arrive tomorrow evening.
No traps.
No tricks.
Just a discussion.
— Victor Hale
Bruce finished reading the letter.
Then he smiled.
"A meeting."
Inside the penthouse, Victor Hale stood calmly waiting.
He already knew Bruce would receive the message soon.
Victor whispered.
"Now let's see what you choose."
Back at the Carter estate.
Bruce folded the letter slowly.
His mind began calculating possibilities.
Meeting Victor Hale could be dangerous.
But refusing would also reveal fear.
Bruce leaned back against the oak tree.
Aron Turner had met countless powerful people in his previous life.
Criminal leaders.
Corporate titans.
Government officials.
Victor Hale would simply be another one.
Bruce whispered.
"Alright."
"I'll meet you."
Later that evening.
Inside the mansion's balcony.
Luna Carter leaned against the railing, watching the sunset.
Bruce stepped outside quietly.
Luna glanced at him.
"You look excited."
Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"Excited?"
Luna nodded.
"You only make that face when something interesting is about to happen."
Bruce chuckled softly.
"You're very observant."
Luna smirked.
"I know."
She turned back toward the sunset.
"So what is it this time?"
Bruce looked toward the distant city skyline.
His voice was calm.
"Just a meeting."
Luna frowned slightly.
"With who?"
Bruce smiled faintly.
"Someone interesting."
Luna's instincts immediately reacted.
But before she could ask more, Bruce had already turned and walked back inside.
Luna watched him leave.
Her curiosity grew even stronger.
"Little brother…"
She whispered.
"…what kind of meeting are you planning?"
Far away in Manhattan.
Victor Hale looked toward the Carter estate from the penthouse window.
His voice was quiet.
"See you tomorrow, Bruce Carter."