CHAPTER 81 — THE SHADOWS THAT ANSWER BACK
Morning arrived without ceremony.
No sun cutting cleanly through the skyline, no warmth spilling into glass towers. Just a pale, restrained light that made the city look stripped of illusion. Elena watched it from the conference room, her reflection faint against the window as the first briefing of the day unfolded behind her.
This was how wars were truly fought—not with spectacle, but with persistence.
"Victor Hale's offshore transfers completed at dawn," Marcus reported. "Funds routed through three jurisdictions. Clean on the surface, but aggressive underneath."
Adrian stood at the head of the table, hands braced against the polished surface. "He's securing his rear."
"Yes," Marcus confirmed. "And freeing capital for disruption."
Elena turned back toward them. "Meaning he's preparing to strike, not defend."
Marcus nodded. "Exactly."
