lingering in the air like a ghost. Alex sat alone at the edge

s lyi

was this some elaborate game mean

it wanted him to stay in the dark. And yet, it felt ca

's train of thought. "You sure you want to play this out, boss?

d the bridge of his nose, exhaustion creeping into his

blows up, don't say I didn't warn

ex said, endi

red at the city skyline, his mind

-

ding, its towering presence reflecting the sharp winter sun. Knigh

ons hushed, their gazes darting away when they saw him. The fallout from Decla

ring back at him from the polished steel walls. He

ce, ignoring the nervous glances of his staff. The moment

back-to-back meetings

lex said curtly,

ut

argument. "And get me IT. I want a full audit of

then nodded. "R

is desk. He unlocked a hidden compartment beneath

ings of private meetings, security footage, and personal

data. Hours passed as he combed through emails, call logs, and s

n he fo

the system, marked with

ng Declan's name. Financial records, offshore accounts, contracts signed under false pretenses. B

ny, but the voices

t suspect anything?" D

by Emilia to notice

tomach d

e transferred, we'll cut him out completely. Emilia's done

he room. They were using her. Declan and this mystery woman ha

ing about the woman's voice. It was

ng him from his thoughts. He answer

," he b

e voice said. "I believe we

It was her-the woman

his?" he

is that you're in way over your head. Declan isn't your onl

d. "If you think you can intimida

low chuckle. "I'm offering you a way out. Meet me at the

respond, the l

-

s crashing against the pier the only noise in the stillness. Alex parked his c

ors a stark contrast to the sleek offices he was used to. He

ke it," the woman'

her in the shadows. She stepped forward, her f

well, Declan's form

oice dripping with veno

predatory grin. "You always were sharp, Ale

Declan will spare you once you've outlived your

econd, but she quickly recovered. "I know exa

behind him. He spun around, his heart pounding as two men st

here unscathed, did you?" Helena s

in, their intentions clear. But he

rusted pipe from the ground and swinging it with prec

ex stumbling back. But Alex recovered quickly, his adren

nconscious, and Alex turned to Helena, w

hissed before disappe

his chest heaving. The game was changin

of their phones buzzed. He picked it up, his blood

e stayed out