The absolute silence of the Apex penthouse was a luxury we had violently earned. Six entire weeks had passed since we returned from the island of gods. The global underworld had fully digested the terrifying reality of the new world order. The Thorne Syndicate was no longer just a powerful local faction; it was an untouchable, international monolith. Valerius ruled the shadows with a ruthless, iron fist, and I stood entirely beside him, wearing the heavy black diamond like a bloody crown.
I sat at the massive mahogany desk in the primary study, staring at the encrypted holographic projections Dominic had configured for me. I wore a tailored crimson silk blouse, my dark hair falling in loose, elegant waves over my shoulders. Valerius was currently halfway across the state, personally overs
