Serena narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "Whitecliffe Harbor?"
"Yes," Nicholas nodded. "And it's not a standard cash pool."
"It's structured like a massive reserve account specifically designated for black- market experimental projects. We're just missing the final link."
Serena tilted her head to look at him. "So, Obsidian Sun operates their own underground financial network right out of Whitecliffe Harbor."
Nicholas tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "The moment Obsidian Sun formally submits the receipt protocols for Specimen Fourteen, the transit guarantees, cargo insurance, and the buyer's proof of funds will all go live."
"When that happens, the financial nodes and transit routes will ping my servers simultaneously."
"By cross-referencing both sets of data and following the money, we can dig up every hidden asset and operation they have stationed in Whitecliffe Harbor."
Obsidian Sun's research required massive capital.
The experimental facilities, the equipment, the personnel, and the clandestine transports-it all bled money.
The people pulling the strings could stay in the shadows, but the capital keeping their empire afloat had to move.
"As long as the money flows, nothing can stay hidden forever."
"You track the people through Specimen Fourteen, and I'll track their operations through that one hundred and thirty billion dollars."
A slow smile curved Serena's lips. "Obsidian Sun's investment really paid off in more ways than one."
Not only did they buy back Specimen Fourteen, but they also handed her and Nicholas a direct financial trail straight to the heart of their syndicate.
Her eyes curved into crescents as she looped her arms around Nicholas's neck, leaning up to kiss him again. "I knew my darling patron wouldn't let me down."
"Just figuring that out now?" Nicholas cupped the back of her head, his striking eyes narrowing with a predatory gleam. "Since I've been so useful, shouldn't Ms. Panacea give me a... proper reward?"
As the words hung in the air.
He leaned in, ready to deepen the kiss.
The temporary medical terminal on the table suddenly buzzed.
The screen lit up with a priority notification from the ship.
"Wait." Serena pushed gently against his chest, grabbing the terminal and opening the message.
[Anonymous Bidder 01 has submitted the final transfer application for A.W.S.-14.]
[The Reception Team will board for cargo verification upon Project Zero-Transit's arrival at Whitecliffe Harbor.]
[The Specialized Medical Consultant must complete one final comprehensive status check on A.W.S.-14 prior to the official transfer.]
[Transfer Location: Pier Seven, High-Risk Bio-Asset Secure Transfer Zone.]
As Serena read the notification, a brilliant, thoroughly dangerous smile bloomed across her luminous face.
She lifted her hand, turning the screen toward Nicholas and waving it lightly.
"Look. The fish took the bait."
Nicholas scanned the transfer
location on the screen. A faint smirk touched his lips as he pulled her back into his arms, his voice dropping tow. "Then we'll just have to see exactly how big this fish is."
"But before that..."
"The fish can wait. I want my reward."
...
Time flew by, and soon it was the following night.
The broadcast aboard Project Zero-Transit echoed through every corridor. "Esteemed guests, Project Zero Transit is now entering entering
Whitecliffe Controtted Waters. Arrival
procedures are underway.
"Project Zero-Transit is estimated to formally dock at Whitecliffe Harbor in forty minutes."
"Please gather your personal
belongings and prepare for disembarkation. Follow the
instructions of our staff for specific
exit arrangements." fo FindNovel.net
The announcement looped three times.
As the broadcast echoed over the decks, the thick fog blanketing the ocean slowly
parted.
In the distance, the port lights appeared as a blurry, solitary glow.
Gradually, more lights pierced through the night and the mist, outlining the faint silhouette of a sprawling harbor.
The lights flickered like ghost fires in the rolling fog.
They were finally arriving at Whitecliffe Harbor.