Adrian POV
The markets open twenty minutes early when panic begins.
They never admit that publicly, of course. Algorithms don’t panic. Investors don’t panic. Analysts call it “volatility.”
But Adrian has watched enough collapses to recognize fear disguised as mathematics.
Three Hale-linked stocks dip simultaneously at 8:42 a.m.
Not a crash.
A tremor.
He stands at the window of his office, coffee untouched beside him, watching numbers scroll across the transparent display projected over the glass.
Behind him, executives speak in lowered voices.
No one interrupts him.
They’ve learned quickly.
“Sell pressure originating from private holdings,” Daniel says carefully from across the room. “Someone inside Hale is liquidating minor positions.”
Adrian doesn’t turn.
“Not someone,” he r
