Victor left Valerie with a heavy heart. He didn't show it on his face, but inside, it tore at him. There was no guarantee he would make it out alive this time,not with the enemies waiting, not with the war ahead. Someone had to remain behind, someone had to protect the Moretti name if he didn't return. That responsibility now rested on Valerie.
When he stepped into the underground base, the atmosphere shifted. The moment his men saw him, the air exploded with cheers. Some clapped, some whistled, others shouted his name like he was a legend returned from the grave. They celebrated him as though death itself had bent the knee to him.
Victor let them have their moment. He even allowed a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. Then he raised his hand, and the room fell silent. His voice cut through the air like steel.
"Thank you for all your hard work in this concluded battle but celebrations can wait. Pack up everything,we're going back to Germany."
