The television screen in front of me glowed brightly, bathing the dark corners of the room in a piercing blue light that strained the eyes. There, in the center of a stage decorated with white lilies symbols of purity stood Julian Durnevra. He looked more vibrant than the last time I saw him, when he was lying at death's door. That suit, crafted by the finest tailors, hugged his body perfectly, hiding the surgical scars that, ironically, were made using a part of my own body."Julian, how does it feel to return to the public eye after your battle with that rare illness?" a female host asked, her voice dripping with adoration.Julian smiled the specific kind of smile he always used to get exactly what he wanted. "Incredible. I feel like I've been given a second chance to serve the world through Durnevra Corp.""You are a true hero, Julian. A survivor who inspires so many," the host continued.I snorted softly, my voice sounding dry in the silence of the room. "A hero? He couldn't even

"Ignore B-01 for now, Altar. Focus on the primary target," Adrian commanded. His voice no longer trembled. The coldness that had just seeped into his soul made every word feel like a death sentence."[ COMMAND RECEIVED. SHIFTING FOCUS TO DURNEVRA CORP'S LOGISTICS NETWORK. ]"The blue screen in front of him split, displaying a complex digital map. Red dots moved along shipping lanes and highways. Adrian stared at the screen with unblinking eyes. In his head, the algorithm of retribution began to work, dissecting the weak points of his father's medical empire."Display the delivery schedule for exclusive drug containers this week," Adrian said. His fingers began to dance across the keyboard, slipping through encryption gaps that had previously seemed impossible to penetrate."[ ACCESSING SHIPPING DATABASE... COMPLETE. ]""[ TARGET CONTAINER: CX-900. CONTENTS: SYNTHETIC RAW MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF LIFE PILLAR. LOCATION: SECTOR 4 WAREHOUSE, NORTH PORT. ]"Adrian gave a thin smile. Ver

The lights in my new office glowed dimly, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. I stared at my now-dark phone screen; the remnants of Sister Mia’s message still haunted my mind like a ghost refusing to leave. Dimitri was looking for me. He was looking for Subject B-02. A futile search for a man who had tossed his own treasure into the trash."Altar, permanently delete the remaining traces of Mia's messaging," I said coldly."[ Command executed. Traces deleted. ]""Mr. A? The car is ready," Sarah’s voice came through the desk intercom. "Mr. Thorne is already waiting at the agreed location."I straightened the collar of my black suit and put back on the silk mask that had now become part of my new face. "Good. I’m coming down."Tonight’s meeting wasn't just about business. It was the first step toward cutting off Dimitri’s financial oxygen. In this city, there is no enemy more dangerous to a wolf than another wolf who feels his territory has been stolen. And Marcus Thorne w

Adrian’s vision began to blur. The numbers on the monitor screen, which usually looked like a row of obedient soldiers, now appeared like a swarm of overlapping insects. He tried blinking his eyes repeatedly, but his eyelids felt as heavy as concrete. A stinging pain burned in the corners of his eyes, as if grains of sand were being forced inside."Mr. A? You’ve been in that position for six hours without moving," Sarah’s voice crackled through the intercom, breaking the silence of a workspace illuminated only by the blue glow of the monitors.Adrian took a deep breath, but his chest felt tight. His hands, resting on the keyboard, trembled slightly a sign he could not hide from himself. "I’m just thinking, Sarah. Continue your report.""But Sir, your voice... you sound exhausted. Should I order coffee or...""No need. Get back to work," Adrian cut her off quickly. His voice was hoarse, nearly gone.He leaned back in his leather chair. His head throbbed, and his heart rhythm was irregu

The world outside the limousine's window kept moving, but my mind had already leaped far ahead, past the figure of Dimitri still crawling on the cold asphalt of the highway earlier. He was already mentally broken. Now, it was time to pull the financial plug on his beloved heir."Sarah, is the bait for Julian ready?" I asked, without taking my eyes off the blurry city lights."Yes, Mr. A. All digital documents for Project Helios were sent to Julian's private email address ten minutes ago. Our shadow team has also spread rumors among the elite that this is the latest energy technology that will replace reliance on fossil fuels," Sarah's voice came steadily through the earpiece."Good. Julian is dying. And a drowning man will try to cling to a rock if he thinks it can keep him afloat."I leaned my head back. My eyelids felt stiff, refusing to close. The nerves in my head throbbed, yet it wasn't fatigue I felt, but a painful clarity."He'll call soon," I murmured.Just as my car pulled up