The next morning.

Lucas Walter’s private office.

The room smelled faintly of espresso and leather. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, sunlight spilling in, but the mood inside was anything but bright.

Lucas stood by the window, arms crossed.

Daniel Pete sat casually on the edge of the desk, phone in hand, watching Aria with open curiosity.

Aria sat comfortably, legs crossed, posture relaxed too relaxed for someone about to say something dangerous.

“Gentlemen,” she said calmly, “we need to continue what we started.”

Lucas turned slowly. “You’re talking like the boardroom didn’t just survive a nuclear blast.”

Aria smiled faintly. “And yet, here we are.”

Daniel raised a brow. “Alright....