Chapter 2

Club Europa's VIP Lounge*

Ethan walked into the luxurious lounge, scanning the room for potential threats. Dim lighting, plush sofas, and sultry jazz music created an intimate ambiance – perfect for discreet meetings.

He spotted a figure in the corner, hood up and face obscured. Ethan approached cautiously, his eyes locked on the stranger's hands – empty and visible.

"Zero," the figure said low and smooth, pushing back their hood.

Ethan's heart skipped a beat – he knew that face.

"Alexandra 'Lexi' Thompson," he whispered, shock mingling with wariness. Lexi, his former hacking partner and... complicated past love interest.

Lexi's gaze held a mix of emotions – longing, fear, and determination.

"Zero, we need to talk about Victor Vex... and your father," she said, voice barely audible over the music.

Ethan's world tilted – his father, Marcus Blackwood, was dead. Or so he thought.

Ethan's mind reeled as Lexi's words hung in the air like a challenge.

"My father's dead," he stated firmly, trying to process Lexi's claim. "Died in a hacking accident... or so I was told."

Lexi leaned in, voice low and urgent.

"Zero, Marcus Blackwood faked his own death. He's alive, in witness protection – hiding from Victor Vex's father, Vladimir."

Ethan's grip on his drink tightened. Vladimir Vex – a notorious criminal mastermind – had ties to his family's past?

"Why reveal this now?" Ethan asked, eyes narrowing.

Lexi glanced around nervously before responding.

"Victor's searching for you, Zero. Thinks you're key to unlocking his father's empire... and destroying yours. Marcus wants to meet – warn you personally."

Ethan's thoughts raced: his father alive, Vladimir Vex's involvement, and Victor's pursuit. Lexi handed him a small note with coordinates – a location for the meeting with Marcus.

"Come alone, Zero," Lexi warned. "Marcus fears Vladimir's eyes everywhere."

Ethan decides to meet his father alone.

**Sunday, 02:00. Abandoned Warehouse on 5th and Main**

Ethan approached the dimly lit warehouse, heart racing with anticipation and wariness. The coordinates Lexi provided led him here – his father's supposed location.

He entered cautiously, eyes adjusting to the darkness. A figure emerged from shadows – Marcus Blackwood, older yet still familiar.

"Zero..." Marcus trailed off, emotion etched on his face. "My son."

Ethan stood frozen, processing this unexpected reunion.

"Why fake your own death?" Ethan asked bluntly, anger and curiosity mingling.

Marcus sighed heavily.

"Vladimir Vex threatened our family, Zero. I testified against him... and had to disappear. But now, Vladimir's son Victor seeks revenge – through you."

Ethan's grip on his jacket tightened.

"What do you want me to do?"

Marcus handed him a small drive containing classified intel.

"Take down Victor Vex, Zero. Protect our family's legacy... and your own future."

**Sunday, 03:00. Ethan's Lair**

Ethan returned to his lair, mind racing with his father's revelation and the mission ahead. He needed his crew's expertise to take down Victor Vex.

He summoned Lena and Jax via encrypted chat:

"Zero: Assembly required. My lair. ASAP."

Within 30 minutes, Lena and Jax arrived, curious expressions matching Ethan's tense mood.

"What's burning, Zero?" Lena asked, eyes narrowing.

Ethan briefed them on his father's testimony, Vladimir Vex's threat, and Victor's pursuit.

"We need to dismantle Victor's operation," Ethan concluded. "Suggestions?"