Frank launched into an improvised monologue about market positioning, manufacturing efficiency, and quality control measures. He talked fast, throwing out business jargon and technical terms, most of which he barely understood. His real goal wasn't to impress Michael with his ideas—it was to keep him engaged, to build trust, to create an opportunity.Michael listened patiently, occasionally nodding or asking clarifying questions. After about fifteen minutes, he finally interrupted."Frank, these are all good thoughts. But you understand that Harry is the technical lead on this project, right? Most of what you're describing falls under his purview.""Of course," Frank agreed quickly. "But I want to support him however I can. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I'm committed to making this partnership work.""I'm glad to hear that," Michael said, seeming genuinely pleased. "Frank, I'll be honest with you. I had my doubts about whether you could work productively with Harry. But if

He slammed the trunk closed and got into the driver's seat, his heart racing with adrenaline and dark satisfaction. Frank could handle the project without Harry. In fact, Frank would probably be grateful once he realized Samuel had eliminated their biggest problem.Samuel drove to the abandoned warehouse he'd prepared earlier—an old industrial building on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes. He pulled Harry from the trunk and dragged him inside, securing him to a chair with thick rope.Harry was starting to come around, groaning and shaking his head as the effects of the chloroform wore off."Welcome back," Samuel said, watching Harry's eyes slowly focus."Samuel?" Harry's voice was slurred, confused. "What... what did you do?""What I should have done weeks ago," Samuel replied. "Now shut up while I figure out what to do with you."He pulled out his phone and called Frank, but it went straight to voicemail. Samuel frowned. Frank was probably busy with something else. Fine

"Good boy," Victor said mockingly. "Oh, and Frank? Bring Michael Chen's schedule for the next week. I want to know when he'll be out of the office so we can plan the actual vault robbery.""How am I supposed to get his schedule?" Frank protested."That's your problem," Victor replied. "Figure it out. Ten PM, Frank. Don't be late."He hung up, leaving Frank staring at his phone in despair."This is never going to end," Frank whispered. "He's never going to let me go."Frank left work early that afternoon, unable to stand the pressure anymore. He told his assistant he wasn't feeling well—which wasn't a lie—and drove home in a daze.As he drove, his mind kept cycling through everything that had led him to this point.Mona ignoring him at TechNova, treating him like he was worthless. That had been the trigger, the moment Frank decided Harry needed to be eliminated. But if he was honest with himself, the problems had started long before that.His company failing because of his own incompet

"Shut up!" Samuel screamed. "You don't get to tell me what happened! I was there! I watched you undermine me, steal my authority, turn my own team against me! And then when they fired me, everyone acted like I deserved it! Like I was the problem!"Harry stared at Samuel, seeing the depth of his delusion. "You're blaming me for your own failures.""They weren't failures until you showed up!" Samuel shot back. "Everything was fine before you! My job was secure, my future was bright! You're the one who ruined everything!""So what's your plan?" Harry asked. "Keep me chained up here forever? Kill me? How does that solve your problems?""It solves the Harry problem," Samuel replied with a twisted smile. "Once you're dead, they'll need someone to take over your precious AI project. Someone with experience in the technology department. Someone like me.""You think they'll just hire you back?" Harry said incredulously. "After they fired you?""They'll be desperate," Samuel insisted. "The proj

Alice arrived at TechNova and parked in the nearly empty lot. Only a few cars remained—security vehicles and what looked like late-working employees. She walked to the main entrance and found it locked for the night."Damn it," Alice muttered, pulling out her phone to call Harry again.It went straight to voicemail. Again.Alice walked around the building, trying other doors. Most were locked, but one side entrance—probably used for deliveries—had been left slightly ajar. Alice hesitated, then pushed it open and slipped inside.The building was dark and eerily quiet. Emergency lighting cast long shadows across empty hallways. Alice's footsteps echoed as she moved through the corridors."Harry?" she called out, her voice sounding small in the vast space. "Harry, are you here?"No answer.Alice checked the directory posted near the elevators, trying to remember which floor Harry's department was on. Third floor, she thought. Or was it fourth?She took the stairs, not wanting to risk the