Chapter 303

Chapter 303
【William's Perspective】

Over the next few days, I watched Luna carefully. She forced herself to eat, though barely enough to keep her strength. Her body was weakening.

Meanwhile, my own plans were faltering. Shadow Organization had been decimated, and most of my contacts had either been arrested or gone underground. Every escape route I explored seemed blocked or too risky, especially with Luna and a baby in tow.

I was in the kitchen, pondering our limited options, when my phone rang with an unknown number. Cautiously, I answered.

"Who is this?"

"Hello, William. It's been a while." The voice was familiar—Orion.

"Orion? What do you want?" I kept my voice neutral, though my mind raced with possibilities.

"I hear you're looking for a way out of the country. I might be able to help with that."

"How did you get this number?" I demanded, suspicious of this convenient offer.

Orion replied vaguely. "That's not important. What matters is that I can get you safely out of America."

"You'll help me leave the country? In exchange for what?"

"I need brain surgery," Orion said bluntly. "I've been having vision problems since an injury overseas. The doctors here can't help me, but I know your reputation as a neurosurgeon."

"Brain surgery? You want me to perform brain surgery on you?"

"Yes. You fix my vision, I'll get you out of the country. Simple transaction."

"Why should I trust you?" I asked, still skeptical.

"We've known each other for years, William. I've always kept my word. Besides, we both want something the other can provide. It's just business."

I considered his offer for a moment, then decided to test him. "I'll help you recover your vision, but only if we're in the same boat. I'll restore your sight, and you'll get me out of America... after you kill Max."

There was a long pause.

"You want me to kill my own brother?" Orion finally asked, his voice strained.

"That's my condition," I replied firmly.

"I can't do that," Orion said. "I can kill someone else for you, but not Max."

"Think about it and call me back tomorrow," I said before hanging up. I didn't actually expect him to agree—I just wanted to see how far he would go.

The next day around noon, my phone pinged with a message. I opened it to find a video clip. To my shock, it showed Max lying in a pool of blood, a military-style knife protruding from his chest. The video was clear enough to confirm it was indeed Max, and recent enough to show he was still bleeding out.

"Impressive," I muttered, studying the video for any signs of manipulation. It appeared genuine.

An hour later, news broke across all major outlets: "Morrison Group CEO Max Morrison Assassinated." I checked multiple sources, confirming the story was legitimate. The details matched what I'd seen in the video—a military knife to the chest, found in his private office.

My phone rang again. Orion.

"I see you've made your choice," I answered, newfound respect in my voice.

"William, I killed Max," Orion said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Help me with the surgery, and I'll get you out of the country."

I was genuinely impressed. I hadn't expected Orion to actually kill his brother—I thought my request would end our negotiation. The fact that he had done it, apparently for real this time, showed a level of commitment and ruthlessness I hadn't anticipated.

"I'll need a fully equipped neurosurgical operating room and three professional assistants," I replied.

"And immediately after the surgery, I want a private plane and pilot ready to take me wherever I choose," I added.

I explained the potential outcomes of the surgery, noting that if his vision problems were caused by pressure from a blood clot, the results could be immediate.

"We're in this together now, Orion. A mutual fate."

"Yes," he replied solemnly. "We are."

We scheduled the surgery for the following afternoon at a private hospital in Washington D.C.

The next day, I drove Luna and Liam away from Langley, heading toward a private airfield. To my surprise, all the checkpoints that had been set up to catch me were abandoned.

"It seems Morrison Group is in disarray without their CEO," I remarked, feeling a surge of satisfaction.

We boarded a private jet that flew us to Washington D.C., where a car was waiting. Throughout the journey, I remained vigilant for any sign of a trap, but everything proceeded with suspicious smoothness. It almost felt too easy.

At the private hospital, we were escorted to a wing that had been cleared for our use. Orion waited in a room, wearing a surgical mask that obscured most of his face.

"How did you manage to get all the checkpoints cleared?" I asked as we shook hands.

"Your arrest warrant had no legal basis to begin with," Orion explained. "With the right connections, it was simple to have it rescinded."

I felt a surge of hope. "Am I free now?"

Orion shook his head. "Max is dead, but his chief assistant Kevin has taken charge. He's set up a dragnet at every port and border crossing, swearing to catch you."

I nodded, understanding the situation. Kevin's loyalty to Max was legendary. If he was running things now, my escape was still necessary.

"Then we need each other more than ever," I concluded.

"Indeed we do," Orion agreed.

We shook hands again, sealing our alliance. "A pleasure working with you, Orion."

"Likewise, William."