The Hale tower stood in the center of the city like a blade.
Dark glass.
Vertical lines.
Power disguised as architecture.
When Ronan's transport pulled up outside, the entrance plaza was already full of corporate vehicles and security teams.
Inside the transport, tension filled the air.
Lyra whispered from the back seat,
"This is extremely dramatic."
Valentina elbowed her.
"Be quiet."
Dorian adjusted his jacket.
"Relax. Worst case scenario we start a corporate war."
Cassian muttered,
"That is not reassuring."
Aurelio sat beside Ronan in the front seat.
Perfect posture.
Perfect composure.
He looked exactly like the heir Hale expected to see.
Vesper watched the tower through the window.
"You ready?" she asked quietly.
Aurelio glanced at her.
"No."
"Good."
He looked faintly amused.
"You're enjoying this."
"I'm enjoying the part where we break their plan."
The car stopped.
Security approached immediately.
Ronan stepped out first.
"Evening," he said smoothly.
The guards scanned Aurelio next.
Recognition flickered across their faces.
The Orsini heir had arrived.
Exactly as expected.
Behind them, the tower doors opened.
Inside—
Dozens of executives.
Political figures.
Infrastructure leaders.
And at the far end of the room—
Selene Arcturus stood beside Ronan's father.
Waiting.
As if she'd known all along they would come.
Aurelio's voice was quiet beside Vesper.
"She's been expecting us."
Vesper nodded.
"Good."
He glanced at her.
"Why good."
She smiled faintly.
"Because now we get to surprise her."
Across the room, Selene's eyes met theirs.
And she smiled.
Like the real game had finally begun.