Ethan stood alone at the far end of the restricted wing, where foot traffic was minimal and conversations rarely reached beyond a whisper. A private observation lounge overlooked one of the internal gardens, the glass panels separating quiet greenery from the controlled precision of the Medical City. He wasn’t looking at the garden. His focus was elsewhere. Footsteps approached behind him, and Freya entered without announcing her presence. “You’ve been looking for me,” she said evenly. Ethan didn’t turn immediately. “I noticed something about you.” Freya’s tone remained neutral. “That sounds like the start of a bad conversation.” He turned then, his expression serious, analytical. “You’re being treated like you don’t belong here, but you carry yourself like you do.” Freya studied him briefly. “And that concerns you?” “It interests me ma'am,” Ethan replied. A faint, controlled laugh escaped her. “Why should I trust you enough to answer anything?” “I’m not asking for trust,” he

Evans Cole stepped out of his car in front of the Cole Conglomerate building, immediately met by a wall of reporters. Cameras flashed as microphones pushed forward, all of them waiting for something that clearly went beyond a routine corporate appearance. He walked toward the main gate with a tight expression, frustration restrained but visible, as security stepped in to block his entry. Two guards stood firm despite the growing pressure from the crowd. “I said move,” Evans said, his voice low but carrying authority. “Sir, you’re not authorized to enter,” one of the guards replied. Evans scoffed and stepped closer. “Not authorized? I have more right in this company than half the people inside.” Murmurs spread through the reporters as cameras zoomed in, capturing every detail. Evans turned slightly toward them, ensuring they caught his face clearly. “You all hear that? I helped build this company, and now I’m being treated like a stranger.” Questions erupted instantly from the pr

She didn’t mention Evans directly, but she didn’t need to. Adrian stopped near the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the city continued its normal rhythm, headlights moving through crowded streets while skyscrapers glowed against the darkening sky. From this height, everything looked calm, almost untouched by the storm beginning to form around the Cole Conglomerate. “Let them wait,” he said. Isabella looked at him carefully. “…No response?” “Not yet.” Adrian kept his gaze on the city below. “Reaction gives them direction.” His tone remained calm, but there was calculation behind every word. Isabella understood immediately. If they were reassured too quickly, they would settle. If ignored too long, they would panic. But left in uncertainty, people became impatient, careless, and easier to read. She nodded once. “Understood.” She glanced down at her tablet, the screen reflecting faintly against her glasses. “The medical initiative is still on schedule. The first production batc

A man stepped into the reception of the Coles Conglomerate, his presence quiet but firm, the kind that didn’t need attention to command it. His shoes echoed faintly against the polished floor as he approached the front desk. The receptionist looked up immediately, offering a professional smile. “Hello, sir. How may I help you?” The man stopped in front of her, his expression calm, unreadable. “I’m Detective Smith,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m here to see the chairman, Adrian Cole.” The words made her pause. A detective? For a brief second, confusion flickered across her face before she composed herself. “…Do you have an appointment with him?” she asked. He shook his head lightly. “No, we don’t have any appointment. We haven’t met before,” he replied. “I just came to see him regarding something from our station.” As he spoke, he reached into his coat and brought out his identification along with an official document, placing it gently on the desk so she could see it clear

Chapter 263By the time Adrian stepped into the boardroom, the atmosphere was already set—quiet, expectant, and tightly wound with anticipation. Every seat around the long polished table was occupied, shareholders seated upright with documents and tablets in front of them, their conversations fading the moment the door opened.He didn’t rush.Adrian walked in with steady, measured steps, his presence alone enough to shift the room into complete silence. Beside him, Director Isabella Reyes moved with the same precision, tablet in hand, her expression composed and focused.All eyes followed them.Without acknowledging the stares, Adrian reached the head of the table and took his seat—the chairman’s seat—like it had always belonged to him. Isabella sat just beside him, already preparing to take notes.A brief silence settled.Then Adrian leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping once across the room.“Let’s get straight to the point.”No greetings.No formalities.Just business.That was e