ISAAC MORANO

**24**

Chapter Twenty- Four- Desperate

As the final explosions echoed through the UnForbidden Zone, the team at headquarters remained glued to the monitors, watching the chaos unfold. The traps Catherine had designed had worked flawlessly. The President's forces were retreating, humiliated and devastated, while the news outlets were capturing every detail.

Tony was the first to speak, breaking the tense silence. "You did it, Cathy," he said, his voice filled with admiration. He walked over to her, clapping her on the shoulder with a proud smile. "That was brilliant. I've never seen anything like it."

Marco joined in, his usual stoic demeanor softened by a grin. "You always know how to turn the tables. We'd be lost without you."

Isaac, standing nearby, gave a nod of approval. Though not one for many words, the pride in his eyes was unmistakable. He turned to Tony and said, "Told you she'd be fine."

Catherine, always composed, gave a small smile but quickly refocused on the screens. "It's not over yet," she said. "There's more to come."

The team continued watching as the news anchors began reporting on the incident at the UnForbidden Zone. Their tone was one of shock and awe, the live footage playing out like something from an action movie. Catherine's name was on every reporter's lips, not just as a rogue agent but now as a tactical genius who had outwitted the President and his corrupt administration.

One anchor exclaimed, "Dr. Catherine Wynter has managed to turn the tide, exposing not only the illegal shipment but also the corrupt nature of the current government administration. The President's forces were completely outmaneuvered in what appears to be a well-executed plan."

Another anchor chimed in, "People all over the nation are rallying behind Dr. Wynter, calling for justice and transparency. This has quickly escalated into a national crisis."

As they listened, Tony leaned in close to Catherine, his voice low and full of admiration. "You've done what no one thought possible. You've not only outplayed the President, but you've also got the entire nation on your side."

Catherine glanced at him, her expression serious. "It's not just about taking him down. It's about making sure people know the truth. That's the real victory."

Tony nodded. "And you've done it. Shawn and Alvin would be proud."

Isaac stepped forward, folding his arms across his chest. "Now we just need to finish this. The shipment, the files—it's all out in the open. The world knows."

Marco added, "The President can't hide anymore. We've exposed everything. It's just a matter of time before his entire operation collapses."

Suddenly, the news broadcast shifted again. An emergency press conference had been called by the White House. The President appeared on the screen, visibly shaken. He stammered through his speech, trying to regain control of the narrative, but it was clear he was losing the battle. Public opinion had already shifted, and Catherine had become a symbol of resistance against the corruption that had been festering at the highest levels.

"He's scrambling," Lucas commented, standing beside Catherine. "He knows he's lost."

Catherine watched the screen, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she spoke softly, "This is just the beginning. He'll fight back, but we'll be ready."

Tony, Marco, Lucas, and Isaac exchanged glances. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, but for the first time, they felt like they had the upper hand. And it was all thanks to Catherine.