The city glimmered beneath the soft glow of evening lights as William stepped out of his car. Glass towers rose on both sides of the street, and the air carried the faint scent of rain. He straightened his jacket and walked toward the restaurant entrance, calm but alert.
Mrs. Langford had invited him to a private dinner with a few investors who were interested in his growing business. It was more than an opportunity for expansion. It was a test of how far he had come, and how much further the System could take him.
Inside, the restaurant hummed quietly with polite laughter and the clinking of glasses. Mrs. Langford stood from her seat when she saw him. “William,” she said warmly. “Right on time. Come and meet a few colleagues of mine.”
He smiled and joined the table. Two men in dark sui
