The Carter mansion was unusually quiet that night.
Soft golden lights illuminated the hallways while the wind rustled gently outside the tall windows. Most of the family had already gone to their rooms, and the estate slowly settled into silence.
Inside his bedroom, Bruce Carter stood beside the window.
The envelope Victor Hale had sent rested on the desk behind him.
Bruce looked out toward the distant city skyline.
Tomorrow evening.
That was the time Victor had chosen.
Bruce crossed his arms slowly.
"Interesting."
Victor Hale had made a bold move.
Instead of continuing their silent war of observation, he had invited Bruce to meet him face to face.
Bruce turned around and picked up the envelope again.
The paper felt thick and expensive.
Professional.
Carefully planned.
Bruce smiled faintly.
"You're confident."
But confidence alone didn't mean safety.
Bruce closed his eyes.
His consciousness slipped into the space world once again.
The endless farmland appeared beneath the bright sky.
Golden crops swayed gently while the glowing river flowed peacefully nearby.
Bruce walked toward the castle.
Inside the central control room, the system panels activated immediately.
Bruce opened the analysis panel.
Several possibilities appeared.
Meeting Victor Hale carried risks.
Potential traps.
Surveillance.
Psychological manipulation.
Bruce studied each scenario carefully.
Victor Hale wasn't the kind of man who made careless moves.
If he had proposed a meeting, it meant he believed Bruce would come.
Bruce leaned against the console.
"You're testing my courage."
In Aron Turner's previous life, refusing a meeting with a rival usually meant losing initiative.
Bruce whispered.
"And I never liked losing."
Bruce closed the panel.
His decision had already been made.
He would attend the meeting.
But not unprepared.
Bruce opened another system menu.
Equipment storage.
Several items appeared.
Miniature drones.
Communication jammers.
Tracking devices.
Bruce selected three small objects.
They materialised instantly in his hand.
A micro drone, a signal disruptor, and a tracking beacon.
Bruce examined them briefly.
"Just in case."
Back in the real world, Bruce opened his eyes.
The devices appeared quietly on his desk.
He placed them inside a small pouch.
His preparations were simple but effective.
Bruce looked toward the city skyline again.
"Tomorrow should be interesting."
Across the mansion hallway.
Luna Carter walked quietly past Bruce's door.
She paused.
A faint sound had come from inside the room.
She frowned slightly.
Bruce was supposed to be sleeping.
Luna gently placed her ear closer to the door.
Silence.
Then she heard Bruce's voice.
Very soft.
Almost like he was whispering.
But she couldn't understand the words.
Luna stepped back slowly.
"You're definitely hiding something."
Her curiosity had now turned into determination.
If Bruce was planning something tomorrow…
She intended to find out what it was.
The next morning arrived quickly.
The Carter family gathered for breakfast once again.
Bruce sat quietly eating while the conversation around the table continued.
Richard was discussing an upcoming investment deal.
Victoria talked about a corporate merger.
Scarlett mentioned a military training seminar she would attend later.
Everything felt normal.
Bruce calmly drank his juice.
But Luna was watching him again.
This time, even more carefully.
Finally, she spoke.
"Bruce."
He looked up.
"Yes?"
Luna tilted her head slightly.
"You're leaving the estate today."
It wasn't a question.
Bruce blinked.
"How do you know?"
Luna smiled faintly.
"You packed something last night."
Bruce sighed internally.
Her observation skills were dangerous.
Bruce shrugged.
"I thought about taking a walk in the city."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow.
"Alone?"
Bruce nodded.
"I want to see more of New York."
Richard thought for a moment.
"That's reasonable."
But Scarlett looked unconvinced.
"I'll send a security driver."
Bruce quickly shook his head.
"That's not necessary."
Scarlett smirked.
"It wasn't a request."
The table grew quiet.
Bruce realised refusing too strongly would raise suspicion.
So he nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Scarlett seemed satisfied.
But Luna still looked thoughtful.
Later that afternoon.
The sun slowly moved toward the horizon.
A black luxury car approached the Carter estate gate.
Victor Hale's driver had arrived exactly as promised.
Inside the mansion, Bruce stood quietly in the entrance hall.
He wore simple casual clothes.
Nothing unusual.
Scarlett stood nearby with crossed arms.
"You sure you don't want me to come?"
Bruce shook his head.
"It's just a walk."
Scarlett studied him carefully.
But eventually she sighed.
"Fine."
She pointed toward the driver outside.
"He'll stay nearby."
Bruce nodded.
"Thanks."
Bruce stepped outside and entered the car.
The door closed.
The vehicle slowly left the Carter estate.
Inside the mansion balcony above, Luna watched the car disappear down the road.
Her silver eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're not just going for a walk."
Luna turned around.
Moments later, she quietly grabbed her keys.
If Bruce was meeting someone important…
She intended to see it.
Across the city in Manhattan.
Inside the penthouse suite.
Victor Hale stood beside the glass window once again.
The sun was setting behind the skyline.
His subordinate approached quietly.
"Sir, the car has left the Carter estate."
Victor nodded.
"Good."
Victor looked toward the city streets below.
"Let's see if you keep your word, Bruce Carter."
Victor smiled faintly.
"I'm very curious about you."
Inside the black car.
Bruce looked out the window at the passing city lights.
The meeting had finally begun.
His eyes were calm.
But deep inside, Aron Turner's mind was fully alert.
Victor Hale wasn't just another rival.
This man might become either his greatest enemy…
Or something far more dangerous.
Bruce whispered.
"Let's talk."