Chapter 36: Marcus's Plan

When Andrew entered his workplace the following morning, there was a slight buzz of tension in the air. As he called one meeting after another, I sat across from him in his private suite, drinking a cup of tea and trying not to get in his way. Andrew's short instructions reverberated, papers slid, voices talked in low tones, and his team swarmed like worker bees. However, something seemed... strange.

Andrew had an unsettling level of composure—too measured, too controlled. Behind his gaze, I could see the storm building.

Without looking up, he told his helper, "Marcus will be here in five."

I had always found Andrew's long-time friend and business partner Marcus Everett to be charming but cunning. Marcus was gregarious and smooth-talking, a silk-clad snake, whereas Andrew exuded a grim seriousness.

Marcus walked in with his typical assurance as the door opened. As usual, he was immaculately dressed, his fitted suit exuding effortless power and old money.