The two eavesdroppers moved deeper into restricted areas as the gala progressed.They'd already recorded the private meeting and now they pushed further, testing how much access their fake badges could provide.One of them noticed a private lounge near the back of the venue.Through the partially open door, he could see Duane, Catherine, John, and Alfred entering.He positioned himself outside, pretending to check his clipboard while his recording device captured their conversation.Inside the lounge, they settled into comfortable chairs."We need to discuss the next phase," Duane said."Beyond construction?" Catherine asked."Yes. We expand into logistics next."Alfred leaned forward. "How deep are we talking?""Deep enough to control supply chains nationwide. If we own the companies that transport materials, we control pricing, timing, everything.""That's ambitious," John said."It's necessary. Controlling construction means nothing if someone else controls the trucks that deliver

Duane wanted to keep exchanging words with Randall.There was more to say, more points to make, more ways to demonstrate that he wasn't afraid.But Leon appeared at his side, his expression urgent."Sir, we need to leave. Now."Duane didn't look away from Randall. "I'm in the middle of something.""I know. But the situation is escalating rapidly.""Let it escalate."Leon leaned closer, his voice dropping to barely a whisper. "Sir, please. Trust me on this."Something in Leon's tone made Duane pause.He glanced around the ballroom and saw what Leon had already noticed.Phones everywhere, guests huddled in groups, security guards moving with purpose through the crowd.The atmosphere had shifted from curious whispers to active investigation.Duane turned back to Randall. "This conversation isn't over.""No, it's not. But you should run along now. Damage control waits for no one."Duane smiled coldly. "There's no damage to control."He turned and walked away with Leon, leaving Randall sta

Gloria sat at her small kitchen table, staring at the cold plate of food in front of her.She'd made dinner for three people out of habit.But she was eating alone.Francis hadn't come home in days.Her father had disappeared too, probably drinking somewhere, hiding from everything.She'd tried calling them both after what happened at the gala two days ago.No answer from Francis.No answer from her father.Their phones went straight to voicemail.It made her heart ache with worry and anger.Her family was falling apart completely now.Just when things seemed like they might get better, they scattered like dust in the wind.Gloria pushed her plate away, no longer hungry.Her phone rang.Charlie's name appeared on the screen.She answered quickly. "Hello?""You've been summoned again.""When?""Tonight. Same location as before.""What's this about?""You'll find out when you get there."The line went dead.Gloria stood and grabbed her coat.She went without hesitation, walking to the b

Duane sat in his living room, his phone pressed to his ear, smiling as he listened to Maya's excited voice. "So the party is next Friday, and I really want it to be perfect," she said. "It will be. What do you need?" "Well, the venue costs about two thousand to rent, and then there's catering, decorations, music—" "Send me a list. I'll cover everything." "Really? You're the best brother ever!" "Just promise me you'll be safe and responsible." "I promise. No alcohol, no drama, just good food and good music." Duane laughed. "That's what you say now." "I mean it! This is just an end-of-semester celebration with friends." "Alright. I trust you. Send me the details and I'll handle the payments." "Thank you so much!" They talked for a few more minutes about her classes and her plans for the break. Duane promised her a few things, including a shopping trip and a weekend getaway if her grades were good. Maya was still thanking him when another call came through. "Maya, I need

Somewhere out there, Gloria was plotting against him.And soon, very soon, he'd know exactly who was helping her.Gloria stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around herself.She'd checked into a small hotel on the edge of the city, using a fake name and paying cash.It wasn't safe to stay at her apartment anymore.Not with everything happening.She dried her hair and was about to get dressed when her phone rang.Charlie's name appeared on the screen.Gloria answered quickly. "Hello?""We need to talk."Something in his tone made her stomach tighten. "What's wrong?""I'm relaying a message from the Black Ledger board.""What message?"Charlie's voice was serious, almost grim."Duane has begun investigating internally. He's assembled a team of expert investigators."Gloria's breath caught. "When?""Today. And they might soon trace movements back to you.""How do you know this?""We have sources. That's all you need to know."Gloria walked to the window and looked out at the stree