Adrian POV
Reputation attacks rarely begin loudly.
They begin with invitations.
I notice the shift at 6:12 a.m.
Three cancellations arrive within five minutes. A charity board postpones collaboration. A private banking partner requests “review time.” An old-money foundation suddenly delays funding approval already signed weeks ago.
None of it is accidental.
Patterns never are.
I set the tablet down beside my coffee.
Across the dining table, Lydia reads quietly, unaware that the temperature of our world has already changed.
Good.
For now.
My phone vibrates again.
Elias Grant. Old investor. Loyal but cautious.
I answer immediately.
“You’ve seen it?” he asks without greeting.
“I’m looking at consequences,” I reply.
A pause.
Then, carefully, “Victoria Hale hosted a dinner last
