Chapter 61: The Cost of War

Kian knew Mercer would retaliate.

He had expected it, planned for it, accounted for every possible way Mercer might try to pull him back in line.

But this?

This was personal.

And Mercer had just made the biggest mistake of his career.

Because going after Adrian meant this was no longer just business.

Now, Kian wasn't just playing to win.

He was playing to destroy.

---

Kian's phone was still in his hand as he paced his office, Adrian's message burning in his mind.

Mercer just reached out to me. Thought you should know.

The wording was calm. Casual, even.

But Kian knew Adrian.

And Adrian didn't send warnings lightly.

Kian exhaled sharply, fingers tightening around the device before he typed a response.

Kian: What did he say?

The reply came faster than expected.

Adrian: That we should talk. That it's in my best interest to reconsider who I'm aligning with.