Adrian Wolfe leaned back in his leather chair, the city stretching beneath the glass walls like a conquered kingdom. The skyline shimmered with lights, a reflection of everything he meant to own. Across the street stood Stone Tech Tower, its silver edges cutting into the clouds like arrogance made visible.
He studied it with quiet fascination, the way a predator studies his prey before the strike.
Three months of surveillance had given him everything he needed. Emilia Stone's routines. Her meetings. Her habits. Her moments of distraction.
Felix stood nearby, tablet in hand, posture straight as always. Every detail had been cataloged and reported with precision.
Adrian finally spoke, his voice calm and smooth.
Three months, and now I understand her patterns. She is efficient, but she softens when she's with her husband.
Felix gave a small nod. Sebastian Lores, the mechanic. The ordinary man who had somehow tamed the queen of Stone Tech.
Adrian's expression carried a flicker of amusement. The mechanic. That weakness fascinated him more than any market share ever could.
He walked toward the window, resting a hand against the glass.
Stone Tech has the market by the throat, but softness… softness makes even empires bleed.
His gaze sharpened as he turned back to Felix.
What do we know about their weaknesses?
Felix hesitated only a moment. Stone Tech's strength is its reputation. Integrity. Trust. But there are cracks — a few ambitious board members, overconfidence in their latest project. If someone were to push those cracks from within…
Adrian's lips curved slowly. Exactly. You never attack a fortress from the outside. You let it rot from the core.
He moved to his desk, the faint hum of technology echoing in the silence.
And the insider? he asked.
Almost ready, Felix replied. She's been feeding us bits and pieces. She's waiting for your command.
Patience, Felix. Timing decides everything.
The tablet buzzed softly. Felix glanced down. Emilia's car just left Stone Tech. She's heading home.
Perfect. Let her enjoy her peace while she still can.
A holographic display flickered to life on Adrian's desk, showing Emilia's image suspended in light. Confident. Composed. Unaware.
He traced his finger down the projection, his expression unreadable.
You took what was mine — my deal, my partner. Now I'll take Stone Tech, your comfort, even your sense of control.
Felix looked uneasy. You really think she won't see it coming?
Adrian's smile was razor-thin. She'll never see me coming.
Outside, the city gleamed — a thousand lights, none brighter than the hunger in Adrian Wolfe's eyes.
The underground parking lot was silent except for the soft hum of engines cooling. Felix stepped out of his car, glancing at his watch. Exactly on time. He wasn't the kind of man who ever arrived late — especially not for Adrian Wolfe.
A figure emerged from the shadows near a concrete pillar. A woman, wrapped in a dark coat, her steps measured. She wore the look of someone who had learned to move without drawing attention, someone who had tasted power but lived beneath it.
Felix approached calmly.
You're early.
Her lips tilted slightly. Early means I still have a conscience.
He studied her not in the way men look at women, but in the way soldiers look for weapons.
Did anyone see you?
No one ever does.
She handed him a slim drive, her fingers brushing his gloved hand for only a second. It held months of internal reports, staff lists, and project updates — things that could collapse entire partnerships if exposed.
Felix slipped it into his jacket. Adrian will be pleased.
Her eyes flickered. Pleased, or dangerous?
Felix didn't answer. He simply stepped closer, lowering his voice.
You chose this path, not him. You knew the risks.
She looked away, tension tightening her shoulders. I didn't choose to be invisible. I just chose to finally be seen.
Felix watched her leave, her footsteps echoing against the concrete until the night swallowed her whole. For a moment, he almost felt pity — but pity had no place in Adrian Wolfe's empire.
He started the car and dialed a secure line.
It's done, sir. The insider delivered.
Adrian's voice came through, smooth and calm. Good. Now let's begin the slow unraveling of Stone Tech.
Felix glanced once more at the empty parking lot, then drove off into the city — a city that would soon belong to his boss.