From a Nanny to a Pampered Wife & Mother.

She turned, her eyes softer now as she faced Lu Zhi Hao. He stood just behind her, a mountain of quiet fury and protective warmth all at once. She knew he was surprised about her sudden aura change, but everything else could wait until they had rescued Lu Ting Zhou.

"Darling, you and Xiang Rui lead the ground floor sweep and secure all the exits. If they try to run or send the children out disguised, intercept all the moves. I want every innocent soul alive, every monster dead if possible, but don't risk your life, be very careful in doing your operations and if you need any backup, communicate immediately."

Lu Zhi Hao pulled her close enough that only she could hear his intimate voice that was low and endearing: "I will cover your back as always, Ruyi. Even if it costs my last breath. Be careful and let's complete all this successfully.

She touched his cheek fleetingly, with adoration, then all softness vanished, replaced by diamond-hard resolve as she faced the room again.

Wan Ruyi raised her voice, her command absolute, her voice was very commanding:

"Listen and listen very well. Tonight we do not just rescue my son. We have something to erase completely, every corridor, every lab, every black file should be thoroughly checked. No shadows should be left behind for them to crawl back."

She paused, letting the gravity of the matter sink in, then her voice softened, a whisper that reached every man's heart.

"You are my family's shield tonight, so come back to me whole. No funerals should be arranged tomorrow."

Every man and woman in that room, killers and covert operatives alike, stood a little taller.

Hawk Team immediately saluted showing their unwavering support and loyalty. The Alpha team gave a single nod showing her that they understood.

Lu Zi Zhen's calm voice rolled out commanding:

"All units..... move out."

Outside, under a rain-soaked Sky, the convoy hummed alive in the driveway, black SUVs and armored vans, engines purring under the wet wind.

Wan Ruyi stood under the awning, watching them file in line, her eyes reflecting cold lantern light and darker storms in her soul.

Lu Ting Cheng brushed past her, slipping a silent tracker into her pocket. "For my peace of mind, Mother."

She didn't scold him, but rather she just touched his shoulder before kissing his cheek, an unspoken bond intertwining between them against the cold night.

Then, just before stepping into the surveillance van, she murmured to herself, a promise and a vow.

"Professor Mo… tonight, I will bury you myself."

She closed the van door behind her.

Outside, thunder growled with lightning, it was bound to be a darker night today.

Under the rain-soaked overhang behind the convoy, portable crates lined the cracked concrete, their lids popped open to reveal neat rows of deadly promise: black pistols with extended suppressors, sleek combat knives strapped in foam slots, rows of tranquilizer darts gleaming under portable floodlights.

Hawk Team moved like ghosts through the crates, fingers flying over checklists and weapon mounts.

A low voice broke the rhythm. Lu Zi Zhen, clipboard in hand, face half-shadowed by the dripping hood of his tactical jacket, spoke up, "Check your secondaries, non-lethal weapons stay in the front holster. We will sweep hostages first, and blood should be the last thing to do. Understood?"

A ripple of murmurs from all the teams sounded determined, "Yes, Sir."

Beside a crate of specialized equipment, Lu Ting Cheng crouched, his gloved hands adjusting the gimbal of a micro drone. The tiny machine buzzed once, its soft blue light blinking alive.

"Eyes first. No surprises behind locked doors," he muttered to himself, tapping a tablet strapped to his forearm.

Wan Ruyi stood just behind him, arms folded over her chest, her voice dropping low, "Deploy three of those in the ventilation ducts first. If they have children hidden in sealed rooms, we will know before we break walls."