January 3, 2026 – Chicago The Obsidian Hall – Fundraiser Time: 8:00 PM
The front of Chicago's most magnificent building resembled a combination of a war zone and a movie premiere. While the exterior was surrounded by federal agents and snipers, inside, the city's most corrupt "white-collar criminals" were raising their glasses to Thomas Sterling.
Michael was wearing a perfectly fitted waiter's uniform as he made his way through the building's ventilation tunnels. He had completely shaved off his facial hair and combed his hair back. The most important rule his father had taught him was:"To be invisible, don't hide; be someone everyone looks at but doesn't see."
The presence of the silenced 9mm pistol at his waist felt more like an extension of his body than a weapon.
Time: 8:45 PM
Kitchen and Service Area
When Michael entered the main hall with a tray full of crystal glasses, he saw Chicago's entire map of sin before him. Mayors, judges, and Luca's hitmen dressed in their finest suits...
Ivy whispered through the hidden microphone in her ear:"Michael, the signal is clear. Luca's men are positioned on the balcony. Asher Burke is still nowhere to be seen. But the key to Sterling's private safe is in that silver box on the podium tonight. You need to get it."
Michael noticed the strange excitement in Ivy's voice as he slipped through the crowd. Ivy wasn't just managing an operation; she was practically ecstatic as she watched Michael dance with danger.
"Ivy, focus," Michael said, setting a drink down on a table. "I heard about your connection to Sterling from Natalia. If you're playing games with me, the first bullet that comes out of that box will have your name on it."
Ivy replied after a brief silence, her voice darker this time."Sterling wasn't just my source, Michael. He was the man who stole my childhood. Inside that box is your salvation and my revenge. Just do your job."
Time: 21:15
The Podium and Reckoning
The lights dimmed. One of the city's leading figures began one of those hypocritical speeches about Sterling. Michael approached the podium from within the shadows. While everyone was focused on the speaker at the podium, Michael deftly opened the silver box and grabbed the black leather-bound notebook and the key inside.
At that moment, the massive entrance doors to the hall burst open.Luca D'Angeloentered, wearing a blood-red jacket. Behind him were about ten men, automatic weapons in hand.
"Enough of these fake tears!" Luca roared. "Where is Hale? I know you're hiding her here! If you don't hand that bastard over to me, I'll turn this building into Chicago's graveyard!"
As the society ladies' screams filled the hall, it was only a matter of time before a gunfight broke out between the feds and Luca's men. Michael retreated to a dark corner. He hid the notebook inside his coat.
"Ivy, cut the building's power. Now!"
BANG!
The entire building was plunged into pitch darkness. Michael put on his night vision goggles. The world instantly turned green and gray. As people panicked and trampled each other, Michael slipped behind Luca's men like a ghost.
He heard his father Richard's voice in his mind:"Panic is the greatest bullet, Michael. Use it against your enemy."
Michael shot the first gunman in the back of the head with his silenced weapon. The man's body fell silently into the crowd. The second, the third... Michael wasn't shooting; he was harvesting.
Luca was shouting as he fired randomly in the dark: "Come out, Hale! You son of a bitch, face me!"
Michael appeared right behind Luca. He pressed the barrel against Luca's neck. "Stop shouting, Luca," Michael said, his voice colder than ice. "Dead men don't make much noise."
Time: 9:45 PM
The Building's Exit and the Great Chaos
Explosions began to be heard outside. Ivy had blown up a fuel tanker outside the building to distract the feds. Michael used Luca as a hostage and exited through the back door.
But someone was waiting for them outside.Agent Carter.
Carter aimed his gun at Michael. "Let Luca go, Hale. Or I'll finish you off right here."
Michael squeezed Luca's throat a little tighter. "Carter, I know your name is in Sterling's black book too. If you shoot, that book will be all over the world tomorrow morning."
Carter's hand trembled. Michael took advantage of that momentary hesitation and shot Luca in the leg, pushing him toward Carter. Michael started running toward the black minivan where Ivy was waiting in ambush.
The minivan door opened, and Ivy pulled Michael inside. "Let's get out of here! Now!"
As the van sped away, Michael opened the black notebook in his hand. The pages contained more than just names and numbers. On one page was a photo of a 10-year-old Ivy with Sterling. Asher Burke's seal was stamped on the back of the photo.
Michael looked at Ivy, who was breathing heavily beside him. In Ivy's eyes, there was fear and that endless admiration.
"Ivy," Michael said, showing her the notebook. "Asher Burke isn't just watching you. He raised you. You were his most precious piece."
Ivy's face turned ashen. "Michael... I can explain everything."
Michael grabbed Ivy by the throat and pinned her against the minivan window."Justice is a luxury for those who can afford the truth, Ivy,"Michael said."And you lied to me."