I glanced around the laboratory where I had poured in countless days and nights of effort. This project was the unfinished work my father, Robert Carter, had left behind. He had dedicated his life to it—and ultimately sacrificed himself for it.
If completed, it would push the United States’ military capabilities to an entirely new level.
After my father’s death, my mother cried herself blind.
Rationally or emotionally, I could never bring myself to give it away so easily.
But seeing Margaret Miller slipping deeper into unconsciousness, her face already turning blue, I realized she didn’t have much time left.
Having lost my father so young, I knew all too well the agony of losing a loved one. I couldn’t bear to see that pain happen again.
After a long, bitter struggle, I clenched my teeth and nodded.
“Fine! You can have it! I’ll sign the transfer right now!”
I scribbled a quick agreement, signed my name, and slid it through the crack in the door.
“Is this enough!?”
Ethan studied it, then gave a satisfied nod.
Relief washed over me—only to be shattered by the sound of two gas pipes exploding.
I stared at him in disbelief, hatred blazing in my eyes like fire: