The night after Sophia's photo was sent, Adrian did not sleep.
He stood in his private office, the lights only half on. On the wall, a large screen displayed a connection map of Marcus's companies.
Rafael stood not far away.
"If we retaliate now, this will be full-scale escalation," Rafael warned.
Adrian did not turn around.
"He already escalated."
"We can still hold our ground and gather evidence."
Adrian finally spoke softly.
"Marcus isn't afraid of evidence."
Rafael fell silent.
"He's afraid of losing control."
That was the key.
And Adrian knew exactly where to press.
Leon sent the latest data through a secure channel.
The offshore shell company they had been investigating was not just a place to park funds.
It was the main node connecting several of Marcus's major acquisitions over the past five years.
Its name was simple.
Helix Meridian Holdings.
Registered in a lightly regulated jurisdiction.
But operating aggressively.
If Helix wavered.
