The Lotus group boardroom was a serene space filled with important looking men and women suits and documents, but the tension between its two largest shareholders crackled in the air. The quarterly meeting was dragging on, as Mrs. Adebayo, who is a board member in her sixties, detailed plans for the upcoming community outreach program.“….and I have taken the liberty of drafting the preliminary vendor list.” She was saying as she adjusted her glasses. “I am happy to oversee the initial stages to ensure it aligns with our brand.”Before she could finish, Mason’s voice cut through, smoothly with an edge. “That is very impressive of you Margaret. But is that not the delegation that is meant for the second shareholder’s purview?” Even though he did not look at Dante, the whole board knew what he meant. “I think it will be proper if the responsibility goes to its proper place.”A thick silence fell over the table. Then Mrs. Adebayo smiled politely, and replied cooly, “that is true, Mason.

Anya Chen stood outside Dante’s office door. She took a deep breath and knocked softly.“Come in,” Dante’a voice called from inside.She pushed open the and saw Danre sitting at his desk, looking over some reports. He looked up and his face warmed when he saw her.“Anya, please sit.” He said warmly.She sat down in the chair across his desk and folded her hands tightly in her lap. Then she said in a small voice, “I am leaving for the meeting soon,” she said. “How are you feeling?” Dante asked gently.“Nervous,” she admitted. “But I can pull it off. I have to.”“You can,” Dante said firmly, “you are one of the strongest people I know.”Anya nodded and softer on her chair. “I have a question before I leave.”“Ofcourse. What is it?”“The money,” she said and looked at her hands nervously. “And the help with my ex-husband’s case. What Mason’s people are offering. Should I accept it?”Dante leaned forward with a serious expression on his face and said softly, “yes, Anya. You have to accep

Dante stood in the secured lab and watched carefully as his team worked. The room was quiet except for the hum of machines and soft voices giving instructions and reports. Scientist in white coats moved in between stations where the first volunteer patients sat comfortably in medical chairs.Liam stood beside him, and watched the process closely also, then he whispered, “They are handling it well. No one seem nervous.”“Good,” Dante said. “Their comfort matters. Stress can affect the samples.”He walked over to where Dr. Chen was labeling vials of blood with a code, not names in order to protect privacy.“How is the draw going?” Dante asked.“Smoothly,” Anya said, “we have taken samples from the first six and their vials are all stable. No serious reactions.”Dante watched as a nurse gently placed a bandage on a patient’s arm. The patient—a man in his fifties smiled nervously at him.“Thank you for doing this,” Dante told him.“Thank you for the chance,” the man replied.Across the ro

Mason stood at the entrance to Clara’s private study. The door was slightly open, and inside, Clara was on a large video screen, speaking with her Lotus group members.“Mason?” She said as she noticed him and her smile disappeared. Then she scowled and turned back to her meeting “Clara, darling,” he said softly as he stepped inside. “Can we talk?”“Not now,” she snapped without turning to look at him. “Can you not see that I am in a meeting?”“But—”“Mr. Lockwood,” said a stern voice from the screen. It was Mr. Fitch. “We are in the middle of something important.”Mason waited by the book shelf, and stood patiently watching her and the meeting dragged on for ten minutes with Clara barely glancing his way. Finally, she ended the call and the screen went dark. She did not look at him. She started gathering her papers.“Clara,” Mason said softly, as he moved closer.“Don’t,” she said sharply and held up her hand. “I am still angry. Actually, I am more than angry. I am hurt.”“I know. A

Mason stood by the floor to ceiling windows on his penthouse, looking down at the city and Peter sat on the sleek sofa, reviewing documents.“So Miller is wiring Dr. Chen tomorrow,” Peter looked up and said.“Yes,” Mason said without turning. “Finally, we will have ears inside theur inner circle. No more guessing. We will hear every word Dante and his team say.”“It is risky,” Peter noted. “If they find the device…..”“They will not,” Mason said confidently. “Miller is a professional and Dr. Chen is smart enough to be careful. She knows what is at stake for her ex husband.”Peter nodded his head slowly, and asked, “And Lewis?”“He is working with her now. Two sources are better than one. They will confirm each other’s information. With the wire, we will have audio proof.”There was a soft knock at the door.“Come in,” Mason called.His assistant, Higgins, entered. “Sir, the board members have all arrived. They are seated in the conference room downstairs.”Mason turned and smiled slow