The underground parking garage was almost silent except for the distant hum of ventilation fans and the occasional drip of melting snow from the ceiling. A sleek black car sat tucked inside one of the darker corners, its engine long since turned off.

Inside, a man rested both hands on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the private elevator leading to the penthouse above. He glanced at his watch. “You’re late,” he whispered. Outside, snow continued to fall, coating the city in white. Every now and then another vehicle entered the garage, but none belonged to the person he was waiting for.

Finally, bright headlights swept across the concrete...