Anna’s breath hitched. It wasn’t just an equation. It wasn’t just patterns. It was the core architecture. It was the unmistakable, proprietary structure of the Aegis. Her son’s code.

Chapter 2: Patterns of Suspicion

The seconds that followed were a cold, sharp vacuum. Anna’s mind, trained to see threats in balance sheets and boardrooms, processed the image on her wall with terrifying clarity. This wasn’t a coincidence. It was an impossibility.

“Security,” Anna said, her voice dangerously quiet. She didn’t shout. She didn’t have to. She tapped the intercom on her desk. “Security to the sixtieth floor, executive suite. Now.”

Luis turned pale. “Ms. Vance, please… she’s just drawing! It’s just… patterns! She likes patterns!”

“Don’t lie to me,” Anna snapped, her gaze fixed on the wall. Maya was still drawing, oblivious, her hand moving with a fluid certainty that made Anna’s skin crawl. “Where did she see this? Who showed this to you? Who do you work for?”