A loud clunk sounded from deep within the walls of the mansion.

It sounded like heavy iron bolts sliding into place.

“The transfer is complete,” Nathan said aloud, stepping back from the desk.

The green code on the monitor suddenly vanished, replaced by a simple black screen.

A single line of text appeared in the center.

*System Restored. Claire’s Legacy Active.*

The intercom went completely dead, cutting off Vanessa’s voice mid-scream.

The lights in the vault flickered, went out for two seconds, and then came back on with a soft, warm glow.

The harsh white glare of the security monitors softened into a deep blue.

“What happened?” I asked, looking around the room.

“Claire’s system has taken back control of the house,” Nathan said.

He reached down and gently picked up Sophie, cradling her against his shoulder.

“The external network has already delivered the files to the federal prosecutor’s office in Denver.”

“They know everything now,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

The screech of the thermal lance outside the door suddenly died.

We heard Julian swearing loudly through the thick steel.