Dante woke up to the golden light filtering through his vast bedroom windows. The air was still, heavy with silence.
He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. The cool marble floor sent a jolt of awareness through him.
Today was another day to handle business. Another day to build his empire further.
He moved through his morning routine with precision—showering under scorching water, dressing in a crisp black shirt and tailored trousers, and fastening the expensive silver watch around his wrist.
He had barely finished adjusting his cufflinks when there was a knock at the door. A firm, deliberate knock.
Dante frowned. It was early. Too early for anyone to come to his room unless it was urgent.
He pulled open the door, only to feel
