The morning of the Vitalis launch event, Adrian stood in a nondescript hotel room three blocks from Sterling Tower, watching the city wake up beneath a gray sky. His hands were steady, but his heart hammered against his ribs like something caged. Everything—months of investigation, sleepless nights, the weight of his mother's murder—had led to this single day.
Marcus entered the room carrying a garment bag containing three tailored suits. "The credentials David created are solid," Marcus said, laying the clothes on the bed. "Facial recognition software won't catch them. The security team has been briefed to expect additional pharmaceutical consultants for the event. You'll be registered as part of the independent oversight committee."
Adrian nodded, absorbing the information without real
