Chapter 34: Lucas Sees a Pattern

Lucas Reed did not believe in coincidence. It was the first rule he learned as a legal strategist and the last one he trusted when everything else failed.

He sat across from Nathaniel Crosswell in the private conference room overlooking Virex City, the glass walls dimmed to opacity. The city beyond was a blur of light and motion, towers rising like monuments to ambition. Nathaniel stood near the window, jacket off, sleeves rolled once. The posture suggested ease. It meant vigilance.

“You asked for patterns,” Lucas said. “I found one.”

Nathaniel did not turn. “Then speak.”

Lucas placed his tablet on the table but did not slide it forward. This was not information meant to be skimmed.

“Beatrice Whitmore is not reacting to you,” Lucas said. “She is positioning around you.”

That earned a glance. Brief. Sharp.

“Explain.”

“She blocks the ports, but not completely. She allows resistance without escalation. She offers civility where hostility would be expected. She introduces Lillian Bloom in