The dossier landed on Tristan Jacinto’s desk with a quiet thud. It was the kind of sound that barely registered in most offices but somehow felt heavy in his, as if paper alone had decided to gain weight in the presence of his reputation. His assistant, Paolo, set it down with exaggerated care, like he was afraid the folder might explode into another scandal the moment Tristan touched it.
“This is the woman. Sofia Reyes. Assistant Editor, Echelon Magazine. She was on the editorial team that ran your feature last quarter. That is the only direct connection we can find.”
Tristan did not reach for the folder at first. He leaned back in his leather chair, the supple material sighing beneath him as he swirled the crystal glass in his hand. His whiskey moved like a lazy current, catching the a
