St. Monarch — Royal Wing Lounge (Private)
The champagne was chilled. The curtains drawn. And Vera Santiago sat across from Damon in black silk and blood-red lipstick.
A marriage contract — real, notarized, elite-backed — sat on the glass table between them.
"No feelings," she said. "Just strategy. Influence. Control."
"My legacy name. Your rising dynasty."
"Together, we end the cartels, own the councils, and walk untouched through every bullet and boardroom."
Damon stared at the contract.
Then at her.
And finally leaned back.
"I like the way you think," he said. "But you forgot one thing."
"What?"
"I don't share the throne."
System Alert: Marriage Alliance Proposal Received
Accepting grants diplomatic immunity in 12 countries, $200M merged valuation, and immediate control of Santiago Holdings (45% share).
Warning: Romantic entanglement is inevitable.
– Vera Santiago: 94% Admiration | 88% Lust | 51% Loyalty
Note: Refusing may shift her from partner to rival.
Elsewhere — Outdoor Stadium: Monarch Soccer Tryouts
Arielle Vaughn stood at the sideline in a fitted team hoodie, clipboard in hand, black leggings hugging a body sculpted by speed and control.
Damon jogged onto the field. No warm-up. No ego.
Just focus.
Then? He dominated.
– Nutmegged the captain twice
– Assisted with surgical precision
– Hit a top-bar corner shot from 40 yards out — with his non-dominant foot
System Skill Unlocked: "Playmaker Vision – Tier I"
→ You can see angles, reactions, and weaknesses before they happen.
→ Boosts natural rhythm, crowd control, and psychological breakdown of opponents.
Arielle scribbled something on her sheet.
Then stopped.
Looked up.
Locked eyes with Damon.
"You're not an athlete," she muttered under her breath.
"You're a f***ing phenomenon."
Back at Black Tower — Emergency Alert: Breach
Zeke's voice snapped across the speakers.
"D! Someone just hacked one of your legal firms. Manhattan front. The one handling shell contracts and music royalties."
Nova appeared at his side. "That's where the Tasha deal files are."
Damon's eyes sharpened. "Tasha?"
Nova nodded. "She used your name on a press tour. Claimed past business ties. She's not rogue. She's bait."
Meanwhile — FBI Command Van (Uptown)
Agent Dorsey watched the screen light up.
"Got it," he said. "We pull the thread through Tasha. We get to Damon Black's legal laundering. The rest unravels after that."
Another agent: "If he's smart, he'll bury her."
Dorsey smirked. "Let's see if he's sentimental."
Final Scene — Damon Alone in the War Room
Vera's contract. Arielle's challenge. Tasha's betrayal. The FBI's shadow.
And the Virelli Cartel?
Still moving pieces.
He lit a cigar. Took a long drag.
And said only one thing:
"They all want me to choose."
"But what they don't get is…"
"I'm taking everything."