Dominic's single sentence landed like a thunderclap, striking the man on the other end of the line with the weight of a mountain pressing down on his shoulders. His legs went weak, his breath caught somewhere in his chest, and for a moment he couldn't speak.
"I understand what needs to be done. I'll handle it immediately."
Dominic gave a low sound of acknowledgment, nothing more, and ended the call.
Inside the reception lounge of Solis Group, the atmosphere had already curdled. Two officials from the local regulatory bureau sat with their legs crossed, cigarettes trailing thin ribbons of smoke toward the ceiling. The coffee table before them was spread with a generous arrangement of fruit platters and bottled drinks, none of which they had touched with any gratitude.
"Your manager cert
