Chapter 8 - CHAPTER 8: The Architect

🧾 RECAP:

Back at his long-abandoned family estate in Virginia, Neil stumbles upon some hidden footage that connects a mysterious figure known as The Architect to the creation of Horizon. A surprise visit from Raj Malhotra, a trusted advisor to Neil's late uncle, promises to shed light on the identity of this puppet master pulling the strings.

📖 CHAPTER 8: The Architect

Inside the Angelo War Room – Night

Raj Malhotra sat across from Neil, his hands clasped together, his voice calm even as the storm raged outside the estate.

"The Architect is real," Raj started. "And he's more dangerous than you think."

Tatiana stood nearby, silent, her gaze fixed on every flicker in Raj's eyes.

Neil leaned in closer. "I need a name. Who is he?"

Raj nodded slowly. "Dr. Elias Voss."

Neil frowned. "Never heard of him."

"That's exactly the problem," Raj replied. "He's a ghost. A former CIA asset who worked on black projects all over the world. After 9/11, he vanished. Then he resurfaced—quietly—building Horizon through a web of syndicates. Ivanov. Cortez. Others."

He paused for a moment.

"And your mother."

Neil's jaw clenched.

"She tried to stop him," Raj continued. "But she was too late. Your father died because he wouldn't back down. Your mother... she disappeared trying to protect you."

---

**The Architect's Signature**

Raj placed a file on the table—a sleek black folder sealed with a crimson wax.

Inside were photographs, encryption keys, and a device with a blinking green light.

Neil pressed a button on the device.

A hologram sprang to life, revealing a room filled with monitors. A voice echoed through the air:

*"Power must not be inherited. It must be earned. If the world won't submit, we'll create one that will."*

It wasn't just a speech.

It was a threat.

And it was Elias Voss—The Architect.

Tatiana narrowed her eyes. "Where is he now?"

Raj let out a breath. "Last known location... Mumbai. Under the alias **Dr. Veer Rana** "Working with biotech firms linked to cartel laundering."

Neil stood up.

"Then we head to India."

---

**Later That Night**

Neil strolled into the courtyard where he used to play as a kid. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on the marble fountain.

He gazed down at the old family crest etched in stone.

"Vengeance brought me here," he murmured. "But my legacy will carry me further."

Tatiana approached from behind, her shoulder brushing against his.

"You're becoming more than just a name now."

He nodded in agreement. "It's time to put an end to this."

---

🔫 *To Be Continued in Chapter 9: "Veer Rana"*