The shiny black car's surface reflected the tall billboards and bright neon lights as it drove through the city's streets. Bruce sat in the rear seat and gazed at his image in the dark glass. He had a well-fitting suit, polished shoes, and a watch on his wrist that was more expensive than the tiny apartment he once occupied. His chest felt heavy despite all of these indications of wealth and power.James, who was seated in the front, raised his voice. "Are you certain you want to return there, sir? It may not be secure. There, the Richardsons still hold sway.”Bruce continued to gaze out the window. Silently, he declared, "I'm not going there to fight." "I'll remember."As they moved into the old neighborhood, the car slowed. Rusty metal and broken concrete replaced the tall buildings and upscale stores. Weak flickering street lights created more dark patches than light. Smoke and the stench of trash filled the air. In the winding streets, children played barefoot, their laughter blen

Still wearing the emerald gown from the summit, Sadie sat at the edge of her vanity. Despite having flawless makeup, diamond earrings, and red-painted lips, she only saw a hollow shell when she looked in the mirror. She could still hear the cheers, the laughter, and the whispers of the wealthy, but it didn't matter any more. She had thought choosing Vincent was survival. He promised her wealth, security, and a life above the filth of poverty. But as each day went by, Vincent's mask broke, exposing the monster underneath. He was consumed like fire by his obsession with destroying Bruce, and his words were sharp and his touch was cold. Sadie was imprisoned in a golden cage after exchanging love for luxury.And now Bruce was back, not the frail housekeeper she had left behind, but a man who could command the city's attention with just one word. For the first time since they were engaged, she felt ashamed of the strength and rage that burned in his eyes.Bruce, meanwhile, was sitting in

Before the first clap of thunder, the morning Marcus Vane moved was as silent as a storm starts: gentle and nearly imperceptible. Bruce was restless and woke up before dawn. The city below appeared to be a sleeping beast, and the tower outside his window appeared to hold its breath. He had prepared for treachery; he had anticipated it. It tasted like blood, which he had not anticipated.In the study, James discovered him with his hands encircling a steaming cup of coffee that he had not yet consumed. "Sir, an anonymous call was intercepted by security. Last night, a man with a rifle case was spotted close to the eastern loading docks. Although we have more patrols.” As though unable to complete the sentence, his voice trailed off. James appeared to be a devoted man attempting to prevent the walls of the fortress from collapsing. He wasn't telling Bruce everything.Bruce felt his stomach sink to a freezing depth. Establish a perimeter. Increase the number of patrols by twofold. Additio

It was a very quiet night. Bruce had arrived late from a meeting with members of the city council about a new public housing project that he had pushed through. Even though his body was worn out, his mind would not stop talking. Marcus was losing control, the Consortium was stabilizing, and the Richardsons were starting to break under the strain, but Bruce was not at all at ease. He now carried a chain of victory that was heavier than poverty had ever been.He retired to his private quarters after dismissing Louis and James for the evening. Silver splattered across the room as the city lights flickered dimly through the glass walls. He lay down in the hopes of resting, but sleep pulled him into something deeper and darker rather than into tranquility. He discovered that he was standing somewhere between a city and the countryside. The ground appeared to have been bleached by the moonlight, and the air was still. There was only an unending horizon that stretched into silence; there we

Back at the estate later that evening, James poured Bruce a drink. He said gravely, "You made enemies tonight.Vincent is not going to take this lightly. He will attack you more forcefully than before.” Bruce accepted the glass and gazed at the city lights outside. "Then let him come," he said softly. "I've finished hiding. This will be the final conflict we engage in if it is war. This ends in one way or another.”The headlines were all over the place the following morning: VINCENT RICHARDSON STORMS OUT IN DISGRACE ..CORRUPTION DOCUMENTS LEAKED AT GALA..RICHARDSON EMPIRE UNDER FIRE. There was a lot of speculation in the city. Protesters gathered outside their offices, politicians distanced themselves from the family, and investors pulled out of Richardson Global. The first public blow had come from Bruce, and the streets were already feeling the repercussions. However, another game was being played in the shadows. Vincent refused to back down in silence. Bruce was aware of it.The