Chapter 181: At The Headquarters

Words : 1020 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 181: At The Headquarters Athena and Aiden pulled into the parking lot of The Hidden Spoon, a run-down restaurant that stood on the outskirts of the busy city. The sign swung lazily in the breeze, flickering between "Open" and "Closed" as if uncertain of its identity. Athena squinted at the peeling paint and cracked windows, a frown creasing her brow. "Why hasn’t the organization refurbished this place?" She mused aloud. "It looks like it hasn’t seen a paintbrush since the late ’90s." Aiden shrugged, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "All the money goes into the operations, not the decor. Besides, it blends in. No one would suspect this place is a front." "That’s true," Athena admitted, rolling her eyes. "But a little maintenance wouldn’t hurt." They stepped inside, and the musty smell of fried food filled the air. The diner was nearly empty, with a few patrons scattered around booths, lost in their conversations or scrolling through their phones. A waitress with oversized glasses ambled over, oblivious to the intentions of Athena and Aiden. "Table for two?" She asked, eyeing them suspiciously. "Just passing through," Athena replied, her gaze fixed on the waiter meaningfully. The waiter looked at them, more intensely this time around, and when she was satisfied they knew what they were talking about, she gestured to the door at the far end of the restaurant. "You will find what you are looking for, over there." Athena and Aiden nodded their thanks, before making their way to the door which led to the storage area. Athena pushed it open, revealing a narrow hallway lined with boxes of supplies. Dust floated lazily in the dim light, and the sound of clinking metal echoed from inside the storage room. "Here," Aiden said, spotting the old elevator. He stepped inside and gestured for Athena to follow. "I guess we’re taking the elevator?" Athena raised an eyebrow. It felt out of place in the dilapidated setting. "Of course. Do you want to take the stairs?" Athena huffed, but said nothing. She rather joined Aiden in the elevator. The elevator doors closed with a shuddering clang, and the elevator creaked as it descended. Athena leaned against the wall, contemplating the odd juxtaposition of the grimy restaurant above and the mysterious organization below. "What do you think we’ll find down there?" She asked. "Do you think the director has started interrogating Heronica?" "I don’t know. But I’m really hoping for answers today. We really need to figure out what’s going on with the gang," Aiden replied, his tone serious. The elevator finally came to a jarring stop, and the doors slid open to reveal a different world. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, illuminating a vast, steel-laden corridor bustling with activity. Young agents rushed past, their expressions focused as they carried files and portable devices. The air buzzed with urgency, and the faint hum of computers filled the space. "Welcome to Nimbus Operations," Aiden said with a smirk, flinging his arms wide, as he stepped out into the chaos. The walls were lined with monitors displaying multiple feeds of surveillance, crime reports, and live data analytics. Rows of computers occupied the desks, each manned by operatives clad in tactical gear, typing furiously or speaking into headsets. Athena stood captivated, her eyes darting from one screen to another. A digital map of the city glowed on the wall, pinpointing locations of recent criminal activity. "This place is incredible," She whispered, momentarily forgetting their mission. "You didn’t tell me there have been an upgrade." "I did mention it, before we entered the restaurant...But it gets better," Aiden said, leading her deeper into the maze of technology and intelligence. They approached a sleek glass office where an official in a dark suit was engaged in a conversation over the phone. "Director Alvarez will meet with you shortly," A technician said, motioning for them to wait. "He just needs to finish up this call." While they waited, Athena and Aiden observed the agents around them, agents who were also giving them subtle glances. Some were dressed in business casual, while others looked more like soldiers, equipped with tactical gear. A diverse group, they shared the common goal of keeping the organization running smoothly. "Do you think they know what’s happening with the gang?" Athena asked, keeping her voice low. "With the equipment I’m seeing, they should!" Aiden shrugged. "They might have intel but don’t always share it. It all depends on the urgency and hierarchy. You know how it goes in this organization." "But we are high up, Aiden." Athena countered, watching as a particular agent approached them. A familiar male agent. "See what the lion brought in! As I live and breath, Athena Caddels!" Athena chuckled, as she welcomed the hug of an old partner. "How are you doing, Rick?" "I’m okay. I’m surprised you remembered to visit us today. I would have thought you had forgotten us if you didn’t ask for our help a few months back." Rick spoke, disengaging from the hug, and shaking Aiden’s hands smartly. Athena laughed. "Motherhood is demanding, that’s all. Where is everyone? I’m seeing new faces everywhere..." Rick turned around, chuckling when he saw they were the center of attention. "Everyone, this is the infamous Athena Caddels. A bad-ass in every field she is." Shock rippled through the faces of the agents, and murmurs broke out amongst them. But Rick was already talking to Athena again. "The old members were sent to develop new branches all over the world. You know how it is. You are here to see the director?" "Yeah, that. We are also here for the criminals we brought in." Rick nodded. "Yeah, I saw them." He looked into the office. "It seems Director is ready to see you two. I’ll see you later?" Athena nodded, before turning away. "You know, he still has a crush on you..." Aiden started, after Rick left them. "I’m sure he’s running off to smooth his hair with gel, like before..." Athena rolled her eyes. "Not this again, Aiden." She muttered, and walked into the office.

Chapter 181: At The Headquarters

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