Anonymous POV

The dark glow of the cigar’s ember illuminates the room as I take a slow drag, letting the smoke curl around me. The air is thick with the scent of power, deceit, and victory that’s just within reach.

A sharp knock echoes against the heavy oak door. Without looking up, I flick my fingers, signaling the guard to enter.

He steps in, his face blank as always. “Sir, Senator Jones is on the line.”

I exhale a cloud of smoke and take the phone. “Jones,” I greet smoothly.

“It’s happening just as we planned,” the senator’s voice crackles through the line. “Stanley’s falling apart. His wife has left,...