The boardroom was an arena, and Julian Grey—now Victor Kane—stood at its center, his presence dominating the room. His sharp, tailored suit and unyielding expression radiated power. Across from him sat Ethan Hart, slouched and defeated, his once-commanding aura reduced to faint embers.
Julian glanced at his watch, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “You asked for this meeting. Speak.”
Ethan cleared his throat, trying to summon a fragment of his former confidence. “I came to talk... about what’s next.”
Julian raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking. “Next? For you? I’d say that depends on how many pieces you can pick up from the ashes.”
Ethan flinched but forced himself to sit straighter. “I’m not here to grovel.”
“No,” Julian said, his lips curving into a cold smile. “You
