The city did not know it yet, but a new war had already begun.

Alyssa stood before the glass wall of her office, watching the skyline glow with cold lights. Every building out there represented power—money, influence, ambition sharpened into steel. She had conquered most of it. She had survived Davin. She had rebuilt an empire with her bare hands and bloodied resolve.

And still, danger found her.

“They’re not like Davin.”

Ethan’s voice came from behind her, calm but heavy.

Alyssa didn’t turn. “No,” she replied. “They’re worse.”

The file on her desk lay open, pages spread like an autopsy report. International investors. Offshore funds. Quiet acquisitions. No public...