He paused mid-pace, staring at his reflection in the window.
His tailored charcoal suit felt heavier than ever; fatigue had carved deep shadows beneath his eyes after days without sleep.
"I had no choice," he murmured as if trying to convince himself. "He took forty percent of everything! My logistics company… my steel mill contracts… even my shares in Black Sand mining…"
His voice cracked with disbelief as he recalled how effortlessly Arthur had dismantled years of hard work.
"I've built this empire for decades! And he just… took it."
Pacing faster now, Edrin justified himself to the empty room: "Of course I hit back! Anyone would! A man can't just roll over and let a younger dog climbon top!"
But guilt gnawed at him with every step, a war drum echoing in his chest.
It was supposed to be a warning shot: snatch Arthur's brother Billy, send him a message that he wasn't untouchable. Nothing fatal, just enough to rattle him.
