Monaco skyline glittered against the pre-dawn sky as Alex navigated the Range Rover through nearly empty streets. Beside him, James drummed his fingers against the armrest, tension radiating from his rigid posture.
"You still haven't explained exactly what this protocol entails," James said, breaking the uneasy silence.
Alex caught his brother's reflection in the rearview mirror—the familiar features hardened by years of resentment. He hadn't forgotten how their father's will had driven a wedge between them, gifting Alex control of the empire James had spent years preparing to lead.
"Mother called it 'Pandora's Box,'" Alex replied. "A collection of contingencies and information secured against anyone's access but hers and mine."
"Of course," James muttered. "Another secret club I wasn'
