(Horizon Enterprises Data Center)
A holographic projection bloomed into a 3D map of the Tokyo lab.
Carson pulled up his mother's medical records.
"She died from a rare α-neurotoxin. The symptoms match William Sterling's exactly."
Alia flicked her tablet, igniting a chain of files.
"Davies just acquired NichiPharma—the company's predecessor was a splinter group of Unit 731."
She zoomed in on the logo stamped inside Victor's cryo case.
"They're still developing gene-targeted toxins."
Suddenly, alarms shrieked.
Sophie's access code flashed across the screen:
"Warning: Sterling virus detected in mainframe!"
Carson pounded the keyboard.
"She's framing us! The SEC will bury Horizon in an investigation!"
On-screen, a countdown began:
00:59… 00:58…
Alia ripped open the buttons of her shirt, revealing the burn scar beneath her collarbone.
Under UV light, a barcode tattoo shimmered into view.
"Use this," she said, pressing the mark to the biometric scanner.
"Sterling family master override."
The system chimed in a smooth female voice:
"Welcome home, Miss Alia."