The contract lay open on the glass table like a body waiting to be identified.

Rafael stood over it without sitting, jacket discarded, sleeves rolled to his elbows as if preparing for surgery rather than surrender. The skyline outside his office burned with the last light of evening, towers reflected against the glass like silent witnesses. His name was printed neatly on every page. His company—everything he had built, every ruthless decision, every sleepless night—reduced to clauses and signatures.

Sell. Transfer. Relinquish control.

All for one outcome.

Alyssa wins.

His phone vibrated again.

Unknown: Davin’s people are moving. If you hesitate, she loses.

Rafael exhaled slowly, fingers pressing into the...