Chapter 1456
The suffocating atmosphere in the lounge pressed heavily against everyone’s chest.
Just then, a voice broke the tension.
Commander Gideon Hayes spoke through the secure video link. “Everyone,
regarding Whitecliffe Harbor and Project Zero-Transit, there is something we must clarify upfront p>
“Whitecliffe Harbor is located in a lawless zone outside international jurisdiction. Conventional law enforcement simply cannot intervene p>
“Furthermore, once Project Zero-Transit enters the high seas, any overt operation will instantly trigger a nightmare of multi-national forces and complex jurisdictional disputes p>
He paused, his tone growing even graver.
“If we mobilize official forces on a massive scale, it will immediately spook them. Obsidian Sun might even scuttle the ship to cut their losses and cover their tracks p>
Commander Hayes continued, “The Raven sent that invitation precisely because he is banking on the fact that we won’t dare launch a large-scale, official operation.” “According to the intelligence provided by Dr. Geoffrey Grant, Project Zero-Transit isn’t just Obsidian Sun’s transport vessel p>
“The ship is highly likely to be crawling with international fugitives, black-market buyers, mercenary factions, illegal experimental resources, and possibly even the relocated Human Specimens p>
“If the situation spirals out of control, it will become an international catastrophe p>
“Therefore, Federal Security currently has no way to intervene directly in an official capacity p>
Those few sentences effectively severed every single retreat path.
No large-scale operations.
No public law enforcement.
No alerting the enemy.
In other words, the only way to infiltrate Project Zero-Transit was to abandon official channels and board using black-market identities.
And The Raven-Plume Pass they had received was the sole entry ticket.
This was the true horror of Whitecliffe Harbor.
Obsidian Sun had already set the chessboard.
They were just waiting for them to walk into the trap.
Everyone looked at Serena again, the worry in their eyes deepening.
Jasper’s expression darkened completely. “No way. Even if the authorities can’t step in, it’s not Serena’s job to go p>
Her other two brothers echoed the sentiment. “Serena, we’ll investigate this
together. There’s no need to rush into it immediately p>
Serena looked at the men standing before her.
All of their gazes were equally strained, brimming with sheer protective anxiety.
Suddenly, Serena let out a soft laugh.
Her eyes crinkled with genuine amusement, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “You guys are way too tense p>
“When did I ever say I was going alone p>
Her voice instantly fractured the thick, almost solidified tension in the room.
Everyone blinked in surprise.
Jasper was the first to look up. “Really p>
The other three locked their eyes on her.
Smiling, Serena let her gaze sweep past her three brothers before landing on Nicholas. “My brothers are all incredibly capable, and have a provisional fiancé who has fought by my side countless times p>
“Why would I be stupid enough to operate solo p>
The words had an immediate effect.
A collective breath of relief washed over the men.
Jasper patted his chest dramatically. “You scared me half to death! You should’ve just said so from the start p>
The tight lines of worry on Julian’s face relaxed significantly.
Even Jerrick’s stony expression softened, the icy edge in his eyes melting away. “It’s good that you think that way p>
However, Nicholas was the only one whose beautiful eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Something was wrong.
She had agreed far too quickly.
So fast that it felt incredibly off.
Based on how well he knew Serena
the fact that she had agreed so
nonchalantly meant she definitely
had alternative plans brewingin her
head.
Nicholas tightened his grip on her hand, looking at her intently. “Are you serious p>
Serena raised an eyebrow. “Don’t trust me p>
Nicholas stared back, a deep well of
emotion churning in his eyes. “It’s e
not that I don’t trust you just feel
panicked
“I’m afraid p>