Chen exhaled sharply through his nose and leaned back in his chair. "Fine. Then let us talk about the problem. Alex has taken our building. He has taken our positions. He has taken our authority. He has taken the loyalty of every honest employee who spent years being too scared to speak up. And after what he did to the Greenes, half the city is afraid to even hear his name."Morrison's eye twitched at the mention of the Greenes. "That is exactly my point. This is not just about the firefighter organization anymore. That boy is building something bigger. Much bigger. And if we sit here doing nothing, he will erase us permanently. Not just from the organization but from this entire city."Chen nodded slowly. "So what do you suggest? Because if you are thinking about going back there and confronting him directly, you can count me out. I watched what he did today. I am not stupid enough to stand in front of that man and give him a reason to aim his weapons at me."Morrison placed both pal

"Alex did not come from money." Morrison pulled out a folded piece of paper from his jacket. "Six months ago, he was a regular firefighter earning a basic salary. His ex wife Lisa treated him like dirt. He lived in a small apartment and could barely afford groceries. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, he has bodyguards, connections, and enough power to crush families that have existed for decades.""I already know all this." Simone's fingers tapped the table impatiently. "What I do not know is where it came from. My people have been digging for weeks and found nothing."Chen exchanged a glance with Morrison before speaking. "That is exactly our point. Nobody knows where his power comes from. Which means it could be fragile. It could be borrowed. It could depend on a single relationship or a single source that, if disrupted, brings the entire thing crashing down."Simone's eyes narrowed. For the first time since he walked in, something other than exhaustion flickered across his face. Inter

Sherry clenched her jaw and straightened her back. "You are even more pathetic than I thought, Victor. Setting up a fake meeting to trap a woman? Is this what you have been reduced to? A rat hiding behind paid thugs because you are too weak to face anyone on your own?"Victor's smile twitched. "Careful with that mouth of yours, Sherry. The last time you slapped me, your little hero came running to save you. But tonight, nobody is coming.""I do not need anyone to save me from a man who cannot even look me in the eye without trembling." Sherry crossed her arms and looked at him with pure contempt. "You disgust me, Victor. You always have. The only reason anyone in this industry tolerated you was because of your father's money. Without that, you are nothing. Less than nothing. You are a leech that feeds off other people's talent because you have none of your own."Victor's smile vanished. His nostrils flared wide and a vein bulged at his temple. He took three quick steps toward Sherry,

They walked out of the destroyed lounge. Sherry's assistant rubbed her bruised arms and hurried ahead to call the elevator. Behind them, Victor's mocking laughter echoed down the hallway, thin and desperate.Forty minutes later, Victor was still in the lounge when his phone buzzed for the first time.He looked at the screen. It was his CFO. "What?""Mr. Rossi, Cornerstone Capital just pulled their entire investment from our upcoming slate. All six projects. Effective immediately."Victor's grin froze. "What are you talking about? Cornerstone signed a five year deal with us.""They broke it. No explanation. No negotiation. They just sent the termination letter."Before he could respond, his phone buzzed again. A text from his publicist. Three A list celebrities have released joint statements distancing themselves from Rossi Entertainment. Their agents are demanding immediate contract termination.Victor's hand started trembling. Another buzz. His bank. Account frozen pending regulatory

Tony raised both hands defensively. "Nothing at all. I just wanted to see how you were doing." He paused, then tilted his head. "Actually, there is something small. I have been expanding my network recently. Several of my business partners are looking for fresh collaborations. If you are interested, I could introduce you. No strings attached.""I appreciate the offer." Mia's face did not change. "But I prefer to build my company through my own connections. I do not want to owe anyone favors."Tony nodded slowly, as if he had expected that answer. "I understand completely. But the offer stands. Whenever you need it, just call.""I will keep that in mind." Mia's tone made it clear she would not be calling.Tony smiled again and reached for his coffee. "How is Alex? I have not seen him around lately."Mia's eyes flickered briefly. "He is fine.""Good. Good." Tony sipped his coffee. "You two seem to be doing well together. It is nice to see."Mia did not respond. The silence that followed