At Apex Tower, the CEO's office.
Morning sunlight poured through the wall-length windows.
Axel Knight relaxed on the black leather sofa, one ankle crossed over his knee, his hands resting on the armrests, gazing at the blue sky as if lost in thought.
Across from him, Dylan and Collins waited with their tablets and files, prepared for a discussion that never truly began.
Several minutes passed.
Axel did not move. He did not speak. His eyes were focused on nothing at all.
Dylan leaned toward Collins and whispered, careful not to draw their boss's attention.
"Collins, tell me honestly. Why does the boss look like he is communing with spirits? This is the third time this week he has gone silent like this. Did you curse him?"
Collins exhaled a slow sigh, rubbing his temple.
"Two days ago, we already identified the person who tried to find his weakness. That person even attempted to hire a top hacker from the underground network. But the attempt failed. Miserably."
