Chapter 851

Evelyn Carter was strategizing her next moves upon arriving in Burlington when urgent radio chatter erupted from the helicopter cockpit.

"N77DT, this is NYPD Air Control. You've entered restricted airspace. Immediately alter course and return to New York airspace!"

The pilot's grip on the controls stiffened.

His eyes flicked to the registration number on the dashboard—N77DT, this helicopter's call sign.

This was an official NYPD warning.

As a pilot for the clandestine organization, he'd been in radio silence before this mission. Their rules prohibited any external contact during standby, let alone unauthorized departures.

He had no idea New York's skies had become a hunting ground.

"NYPD, this is N77DT. We have clearance for Burlington," the pilot replied, forcing calm. "Why are we being diverted?"

"DHS emergency directive," came the terse response. "Land at these coordinates immediately, or we will enforce compliance."

Evelyn instantly detected the anomaly.

"Explain," she demanded coldly.

Beads of sweat formed on the pilot's brow. "Police are ordering us down for inspection—national security grounds."

"And if we refuse?"

"They'll scramble police choppers. Possibly even National Guard Black Hawks." His voice tightened. "Last time I saw this level of response was 9/11..."

Alexander Hamilton suddenly raised his phone. "Just got word—the Rothschilds leveraged government connections to lockdown all major transit routes in New York."

"What?!" Evelyn's eyes flashed with lethal frost.

She never imagined a mere business dynasty could impede her.

The radio crackled again: "N77DT, final warning! Turn heading 280, descend to 2,200 feet, speed below 80 knots. Repeat—final warning!"

The pilot glanced back nervously. "Ma'am, we must comply. NYPD choppers could launch any second, and Guard fighters are on standby nearby."

Evelyn's knuckles whitened.

Never had she endured such humiliation.

Yet reason dictated that defiance now would only delay greater priorities.

"Do it," she hissed through clenched teeth. "This debt will be repaid."

As the helicopter banked toward the designated landing zone, Evelyn watched Manhattan's skyline recede through the window—her gaze murderously cold.