Chapter 55: No Mercy

The decision had been made.

Not in words.

Not in some dramatic, world-shattering moment.

But in the silence between them. In the way Adrian had gripped the wheel just a little too tightly, in the way Kian had smiled despite knowing exactly what he was walking into.

Because this wasn't about right or wrong anymore.

It wasn't about caution.

It was about taking what was theirs.

And Kian was done waiting.

---

The next morning, the office was humming with quiet tension.

Kian could feel it the moment he stepped through the doors.

The weight of eyes on him.

The whispers that stopped just as he passed.

Mercer's influence was already spreading.

And the board?

They were watching him.

Waiting to see which way he'd fall.

Adrian was already in his office by the time Kian made it to his desk.

Lila was waiting, arms crossed as she dropped a file in front of him.