~LAYLA~
The relief I'd felt moments ago evaporated instantly. "What do you mean 'hit'?"
"I mean, they sent a message. Broke in last night around two AM, trashed the equipment, destroyed raw materials, and set a small fire in the storage area. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to send a clear warning."
"Which warehouse?" I asked.
Axel's voice cut in. "Anyone hurt?"
"The east side facility. Your biggest one… the one that handles seventy per cent of your production capacity." Tye paused. "Night security guard got roughed up pretty bad, but he'll live. They wanted property damage, not body count. This time."
"This time?" I repeated in a whisper.
"This is their opening move," Tye explained in a matter-of-fact tone that made it even more chilling. "They're showing they can reach you, hurt your business, whenever they want. Next time, they'll escalate if you don't pay up."
I sank into my office chair, the weight of everything crushing down on me.
