CHAPTER 125: SEND THEM UP!!!

Sterling Security Base – Indoor Shooting Range

The crack of gunfire echoed in the enclosed range, sharp and relentless.

Miles stood firm, feet planted, his arm raised with cold precision. The handgun bucked again and again in his grip, each round tearing into the target. His shots were not just accurate—they were punishing, each one driving into the same point until the paper shredded, the wooden frame splintering under the merciless barrage.

It wasn’t practice anymore. It was release.

The final echo faded. Smoke curled from the barrel. Miles lowered the weapon slowly, chest rising and falling. His eyes softened for only a moment as he sighed, then drew in a long, controlled breath to steady himself.

From behind the safety glass, Charles had been watching. His arms folded across his chest, his sharp ex-soldier eyes locked not just on the target but on Miles himself. There was something in that expression—a weight he recognized.

He stepped forward, boots firm against the floor, stopping beside Miles. His voice was calm, respectful, but edged with knowing.

"Is something bothering you, Boss?"

Miles glanced at him, one brow arched faintly. "You can tell, Mr. Charles?"

Charles gave a small, wry smile. "I’m a soldier, Boss. I know that look. I’ve worn it myself. Sometimes the targets take the brunt of what you can’t change."

For the first time that day, Miles allowed himself a small smile. He nodded, his tone quieting.

"It’s nothing but the past. Things we couldn’t change. That’s all." His eyes lowered briefly before sharpening again. "But it’s all better now."

Charles’s gaze softened with understanding. "We’ve all been through it. None of us forget the ones who didn’t make it."

Miles was silent for a heartbeat. His voice came lower, steadier.

"You can never forget your fallen comrades."

Charles tilted his head, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

"Have you served before, Boss? The way you handle a gun... it’s too perfect. That’s training. Not something you just pick up."

Miles’s lips curved slightly. "I worked for the provincial army in the past."

Charles blinked, taken aback. "Really, Boss? I didn’t know. Considering your age, it’s... hard to believe."

Miles let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah. I served occasionally. Mostly under the President’s orders."

That left Charles speechless for a moment. His soldier’s instincts told him there was more to the story, far more, but his respect stopped him from asking. He gave a short nod.

"Quite an achievement, Boss. That must’ve been... special. I won’t dig into it."

Miles’s gaze steadied on him, carrying quiet gratitude.

"Thanks for understanding. Anyways... how’s work going on?"

Charles shifted seamlessly, his soldier’s posture straight.

"Work is solid, Boss. Our clients are happy with our services. Word of mouth is spreading fast—we’re already earning trust in places most firms can’t even touch."

Miles nodded once. "And our agents? How are they doing? Any issues?"

Charles’s smile returned, faint but genuine.

"They’re happier than the clients. You pay generously. You cover their families with insurance. You treat them like soldiers who matter. Boss, they look up to you. There are only a few men in this world who respect those who served... but Sterling Security is changing that for them."

Miles’s expression softened, his voice calm but certain.

"That’s good to hear."

For a moment, the two stood in silence—soldier and soldier, different paths, but the same understanding.

After reviewing the reports and walking through the operations floor, Miles finally stepped out. The air outside was brighter, but his mind remained focused.

With his coat settling around his shoulders, he climbed into his car. Destination clear—

Sterling Enterprises.

Morning – On the Road

The morning sun climbed higher, streaks of gold spilling across Star Harbor’s skyline. Traffic hummed, neon signs dimmed into day, and Miles’s car glided smoothly toward the city center.

The phone rang, and his dashboard screen lit up.

Miles pressed the answer. "Yes, Monica?"

Her voice carried a hint of both urgency and satisfaction.

"Guess who just landed in Star Harbor?"

Miles’s gaze narrowed slightly. "Who?"

"Silvey," Monica replied. "She just set foot at the airport. And guess who’s with her."

Miles leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Her assistant."

Monica sighed. "Yeah, she’s there too. But... there’s one more."

Miles’s tone dropped. "Don’t tell me she’s with her."

"Yes, Boss." Monica’s voice hardened. "She’s here with Luna."

A pause lingered in the car, the sound of the engine filling the silence. Then Miles’s voice came, low and calm, carrying the weight of a predator.

"We don’t let go of prey that steps into the lion’s den herself."

Monica’s reply was immediate. "Understood, Boss. I’ll keep an eye on them." Then, as if remembering, she added with a small edge of mischief, "Also, Boss—remind Chase to call me. He really forgot me."

Miles chuckled, a rare ease softening his tone. "Alright. I’ll remind him."

The line clicked. Silence returned. Ahead, the glass towers of Cinder Square came into view.

At Star Harbor Airport

Meanwhile, a sleek car wove through airport traffic, its tinted windows hiding the women inside. The vehicle was headed toward the newly opened facility of ACE Automobiles, a gleaming addition to the cityscape.

In the back seat, Layla—(Luna Whitecliff)—sat with her phone in hand, fingers tapping quickly across the screen. She spoke without looking up.

"It’s my first time in Star Harbor. Thank you for bringing me here."

Beside her, Silvey Sterling adjusted her sunglasses, her tone smooth, almost casual.

"Really? Well... it’s quite peaceful. Even with so many people, so many businesses, it doesn’t feel overwhelming."

Luna tilted her head, her smile faint. "It’s a port city. There’s always more happening beneath the surface than above it."

From the passenger seat, Silvey’s assistant Diane turned her head slightly.

"We’ve reached."

The car slowed, pulling into the modern complex of ACE Automobiles. Its sleek glass façade reflected the sunlight, banners waving with the announcement of the group’s official expansion into Star Harbor.

The doors opened. The three women stepped out, their silhouettes sharp against the shine of the building. A new Chapter waited to be inspected.

Cinder Square – Sterling Enterprises

Back in the city’s business heart, June stepped briskly into Miles’s office, tablet in hand.

"Boss," she said, her tone composed yet eager. "I’ve found some properties for you to consider in the southern part of the city."

Miles looked up from his desk. "Great. Let’s see them."

The large screen on the wall flickered, shifting colors as June connected her device. A series of highlighted plots and businesses lit up the southern district of Star Harbor.

She began navigating them one by one. Office complexes, a logistics warehouse, a high-rise residential block. Miles studied each carefully, silent as his sharp gaze weighed potential and profit.

Then his eyes paused on one.

"What’s that?"

June tapped. The display shifted to show an aerial shot of a wide complex—a sports facility with a massive rink gleaming under the lights.

"That’s an ice hockey rink," she explained.

Miles raised a brow, genuinely surprised. "Ice hockey? Who plays ice hockey in Star Harbor?"

June chuckled softly. "It’s actually a popular sport here, Boss. Sterling Media even streams their matches sometimes."

Miles leaned back in his chair, disbelief flickering across his face before it gave way to a low laugh.

"What? And why don’t I know about this?"

June hid a smile. "Because the streams only happen a few times a year. But the club itself? The rink is packed almost every day. They’ve even got an ice skating academy. Families, tourists—on weekends and holidays, it’s always full."

Miles shook his head with a faint chuckle. "You’ve done your research."

"Actually..." June admitted, clearing her throat lightly, "I went there once. With April."

Miles glanced at her, a knowing look flickering in his eyes. He didn’t press further, only nodded.

"Great. So—can we get that property?"

June checked her notes, scrolling quickly.

"I think so. With the right price, and the right timing."

Miles’s smirk returned. "Then prepare an offer."

June bowed her head lightly. "Alright, Boss."

The screen dimmed back to the city map, the southern district no longer looking quite so empty.

Evening – Sterling Enterprises, Cinder Square

The office lights glowed against the evening sky, the cityscape beyond painted in streaks of orange and violet. Miles leaned back in his chair as his phone buzzed. He tapped the console, Monica’s voice filling the room.

"Yes," he said calmly. "What are the updates?"

"They’re there," Monica replied.

Miles frowned. "Where?"

"At Cinder Square," she said firmly. "They just entered the building."

Miles’s hand slid across his desk, turning one of the screens toward the internal security feed. The grainy footage sharpened, and there they were—three women in the marble-floored lobby, speaking with the receptionist.

Silvey Sterling, poised with the confidence of her name. Diane, her assistant, standing straight with a professional air. And beside them, disguised behind dark shades, Luna Whitecliff, silent but alert, her movements just a touch sharper than casual.

A faint smile tugged at Miles’s lips.

"Today’s my lucky day, then. Alright, I’ll take care of it from here. Send some agents—quietly."

Monica’s voice carried a hint of satisfaction. "Already on it, Boss."

The line went dead.

Lobby – Sterling Enterprises

The reception hall was sleek and immaculate, tall glass walls reflecting the golden glow of the chandeliers above. Visitors moved through in quiet streams, but the trio of women at the desk drew subtle glances.

Diane stepped forward, her voice crisp and practiced.

"Hello. My boss, Miss Silvey Sterling, would like to meet the Chairman."

The receptionist, polite but composed, gave a small bow.

"Welcome to Cinder Square. May I ask if you have a prior appointment with the Chairman?"

Before Silvey could respond, the phone on the desk buzzed, its screen flashing red: Priority Call – Chairman.

The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly. She picked it up instantly.

"Yes, Chairman?"

Miles’s voice was calm, direct. "Send them up."

"Yes, sir." The line clicked dead.

The receptionist placed the phone down, then looked up at the three women with a smile that held just the faintest trace of awe.

"The Chairman has just called for you. You may take the private elevator on the left. It will bring you directly to the top floor."

Diane gave a small nod of thanks.

"Thank you."

Silvey’s lips curved slightly as she adjusted her bag, her eyes flickering with curiosity. Luna, however, remained silent, her expression hidden behind her shades—but her body was tense, as though she already sensed the weight of the man they were about to meet.

The trio turned, their footsteps echoing across the polished marble as they approached the sleek, glass-paneled elevator.

The doors slid open with a soft chime.

And the lift carried them upward—toward the Chairman of Sterling Enterprises.

Toward the Ghost they didn’t yet realize was waiting.