Chapter :- 115

Arc 6: Rise of the Mogul

Chapter 20: The Opening Move

The private lounge exuded an air of exclusivity, its dim lighting and lavish furnishings creating the perfect atmosphere for high-stakes negotiations. Kai Ashton sat comfortably in his seat, his fingers casually swirling the amber liquid in his crystal glass. Across from him, Victor Langston observed him with a confident smirk, his tailored suit impeccable as ever.

The silence between them was thick with unspoken tension. The moment Langston had walked into this meeting, Kai had already anticipated what was coming.

Langston finally broke the silence. "You don't look surprised."

Kai set his glass down with a soft clink. "I expected a player to emerge from the shadows," he admitted, "but I didn't think it'd be you."

Langston chuckled, leaning forward slightly. "You underestimated me, Kai. A mistake you won't make twice."

Kai's expression remained unreadable. "I didn't underestimate you," he corrected. "I buried you. I didn't expect you to claw your way back up."

Langston exhaled sharply, his smirk never wavering. "That's where you're wrong. I learned from my mistakes. The first time, I built an empire on power and reputation. But power is fleeting, and reputation is easily destroyed. This time, I built my foundation on secrecy and leverage."

Kai nodded slightly, acknowledging the point. The rise of the Atlas Consortium had been swift and precise, as if an invisible hand had been guiding every major move. Now, he understood why. Langston had spent years moving pieces behind the scenes, ensuring that by the time people realized what was happening, it was already too late.

Langston relaxed into his chair. "And now, I have a proposal."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "A proposal? You're not here to declare war?"

Langston chuckled. "War? That's expensive and inefficient. I'd rather offer you a seat at the table."

Kai smirked. "And why would I take that seat?"

Langston's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Because you're too smart to turn down a deal that benefits both of us. The world isn't big enough for two rising empires, so let's ensure we own it together instead of tearing each other apart."

Kai tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, his mind processing the layers beneath Langston's words. There was an undeniable logic to what he was saying. A collaboration between them could dominate global markets. The resources, the networks, the power—if they combined their forces, their influence would be untouchable.

But Kai had never been one to share his throne.

"You want us to rule together," Kai mused, leaning back. "But I don't share my kingdom."

Langston's smirk faded slightly. "Pride is dangerous, Kai."

Kai chuckled. "So is trusting a snake."

Langston exhaled, swirling his own drink. "Think it over. I'm not offering this twice."

Kai shook his head. "I don't need time. I made my choice years ago when I crushed you the first time. And I'll do it again."

Langston studied him for a long moment before standing. "Then I suppose the game begins."

Kai watched him leave, finishing his drink in silence. His mind was already working through the possibilities, the countermeasures, the opportunities.

This was only the first move.

And Kai?

He was just getting started.

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End of Chapter 20.