The morning after the gala, Marrin woke early, the sunlight spilling softly through her bedroom window. The city hummed beneath her, unaware of the silent war unfolding in its skyscrapers, boardrooms, and penthouses. She sipped her coffee slowly, savoring the quiet before the storm, knowing that today would be pivotal.
Liam was already in her office, surrounded by data sheets, stock charts, and private communications intercepted over the past week. "The ripple effect from last night's gala is intensifying," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Derek is attempting damage control, but the investors are starting to question his competence. Vivienne is panicking, and their internal communication is fragmented."
Marrin leaned over the charts, her mind mapping every connection, every relationship,
