The exclusive country club’s private lounge was silent except for the occasional clinking of glasses and the muffled sound of jazz playing softly in the background. It was a place where powerful men gathered to discuss matters that could not be spoken about in boardrooms or over corporate emails. Here, in the dimly lit space lined with rich mahogany furniture and the scent of aged whiskey, deals were struck, enemies were made, and secrets were buried. Tonight was no different. Richard and Daniel sat across from Thomas Winters, the man they had placed their trust in to help them remove Serena from Rocky’s Designs. The expressions on their faces were tense, filled with frustration and uncertainty. They had expected tonight’s meeting to be a victory toast, a quiet celebration of Sere

