Just as everyone was preparing to board,
the fuselage suddenly tilted. The landing gear let out a shrill metallic screech, and then the entire body of the helicopter seemed to be gripped by an invisible giant hand as it began to collapse inward.
Before they could react to what had happened, the fuselage, rotors, and tail boom were crushed and warped toward the center, metal twisting with a piercing shriek.
The rotors snapped, fragments flew everywhere, the fuel tank ruptured, fuel spilled out, and the helicopter exploded not far from them.
Boom—!
A fireball erupted across the rooftop. Orange-red flames lit up the night sky, and the shock wave threw several agents to the ground.
The director was tackled down by the captain, narrowly avoiding a flying piece of metal debris.
He climbed to his feet and stared at the burning wreckage of the helicopter, his face filled with disbelief. A helicopter worth seven million dollars had been destroyed so easily!
At the same time, in downtown Washington, at an exclusive private club.
The lights were dazzling, glasses clinked in celebration, and crystal chandeliers cast soft light over every guest. The men wore impeccably tailored suits, while the women wore elegant evening gowns.
This was one of the most secretive social venues for the Bald Eagle's ruling class. Anyone who could pass through these doors was either wealthy or powerful.
The president stood in the center of the hall with a glass of whiskey in hand, chatting and laughing with several business leaders.
The secretary of state stood beside him, holding champagne and wearing a proper smile.
The defense minister was in a corner, speaking quietly with several generals.
The Senate majority leader, the Speaker of the House, Supreme Court justices—nearly everyone in this room could determine the fate of