The heavy thud of the steel shutters locking in place reverberated through the 40th floor. The sound was final, deliberate, a statement.Gabriel’s eyes flicked briefly toward the door, then back to Adrian. "You planning on keeping me here against my will?"Adrian’s tone was calm, almost conversational. "You walked in. I’m just making sure you don’t walk out until we’re done."Selena’s gaze shifted to the nearest guard, noting the subtle repositioning of his stance. The weight of tension was thick, like static before a lightning strike. "Done with what, exactly?" Gabriel asked."With deciding the future of this city," Adrian replied. "And who’s going to be holding the reins when the dust settles."Vivienne stepped forward from the shadows near the wall, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She was dressed in a deep crimson suit, the color sharp against the muted room."Adrian," she said without taking her eyes off Gabriel, "your guest doesn’t seem to understand he’s not in