"A brilliant strategy, Master Alex. Everything can be set in motion whenever you give the word. But..."
Viktor trailed off, an uncharacteristic pause hanging in the quiet room.
Alex raised a single brow, watching his second-in-command with quiet amusement. "Since when do you hesitate, Viktor? Speak."
Viktor straightened, folding his hands before him.
"It is Raymond Cole himself, Sir. A plan of this scale assumes we hold the foundation beneath their feet. But Raymond is notoriously stubborn. For months, the Valentis used leverage, the Calders made astronomical cash offers, and the Mercers threatened him with city council sanctions. None of them could force his signature. If Raymond refuses to sell to Eclipse Holdings, our entire leverage across all three houses falls apart before we take our first step."
A faint, knowing smile curved Alex's lips.
