"Pour me another glass."
Richard Murphy leaned back in the plush leather chair of his private VIP box. He held out an empty crystal goblet.
A nervous attendant immediately poured an expensive vintage red wine.
Below him, the Harmonia Conservatory grand concert hall was packed with the absolute elite of the global classical music industry. Wealthy patrons wore custom tuxedos and diamonds. Esteemed judges sat in the front row with stern expressions and scoring sheets.
This was the National Symphony Clash. It was the most prestigious classical competition on the continent.
It was also the execution block for Ryan Parker.
"He actually showed up," Silas Crane noted from the back of the VIP box. The corporate lawyer sounded genuinely surprised.
"Arrogance makes young men blind," Richard s
