-Still Water, Hidden Depths

Lex stood as Zhang did, their movements measured, controlled. The deal was done, but nothing about Zhang's demeanor suggested finality—if anything, he seemed more curious than before.

"A contract is only ink on paper," Zhang mused.

Lex smirked slightly. "I put my faith in people not paper."

Zhang gave a faint nod, something almost approving in his expression.

"Good." His voice was firm. "In the East, we understand agreements are made in actions, not signatures."

Lex met his gaze. "You are telling me trust is a man's word.

Zhang exhaled, adjusting his cuff. "No, trust is a river. You can build dams, trying to control flow with rules contracts—but in the end, water follows the path of least resistance. A wise man learns to work with the current, not against it."

Lex leaned back slightly. "I was taught something similar once."

Zhang's brow lifted, intrigued. "By whom?"

Lex's smirk faded, just slightly. "My grandmother."

Zhang's eyes sharpened—not in suspicion, but in interest. "And what did she teach you?"

Lex exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "That power is like calligraphy. It looks effortless in the hands of a master, but every stroke—every movement—is precise. Measured. If you force it, the ink bleeds, and the form is ruined."

Silence.

Zhang regarded him carefully, his gaze unreadable.

"She was a wise woman," Zhang said, his tone softer now, more contemplative. "To understand power as art rather than force is rare."

Then, just as smoothly, the moment passed. Zhang gave a small nod, a subtle sign of acknowledgment.

"Elinor will take the contract," Lex said smoothly, shifting back into the present.

Almost on cue, Elinor appeared at his side. She took the folder without a word, her sharp eyes flicking once toward Zhang before stepping back.

"I'll have Elias review it," she murmured.

Lex gave her a short nod, and without hesitation, she turned and disappeared down the hall, moving with the kind of efficiency that made everything look effortless.

Zhang watched her go, then turned back to Lex. "You surround yourself with competence."

Lex smirked. "I make sure of it."

Zhang exhaled, amused. Then, with the same deliberate movements as before, he turned toward the door. His team following behind him. Daniel Liu was the last to leave, pausing just long enough to give Lex a sharp, unreadable look before slipping out the door.

Lex pulled out his phone as he walked, pressing Natalie Zhang's name without hesitation. The line barely rang twice before she picked up.

"So," Nat said, skipping pleasantries. "He signed?"

Lex smirked. "You sound surprised."

"I'm not," Nat replied. "My father is a difficult man to impress. He likes his circles small, his risks calculated. You he's still just watching."

Lex chuckled. "And what do you think?"

"I think you'll be useful for now."

Lex smirked. "Glad to know I have your approval."

She hummed. "So, what's next? You got your money. Where's the next play?"

Lex turned a corner, his pace measured. "Real estate deals close next month. Corporate leases start locking in. Branding is already in motion. And then?"

Nat finished for him. "Then you watch the market burn."

Lex smirked. "Exactly."

She sighed dramatically. "You really are your own villain, huh?"

"Depends on the story," Lex said easily.

A pause. Then, casually, Nat asked, "So, since I helped with this deal—what do I get out of it?"

Lex raised an eyebrow slightly. "Besides a multi-million-dollar investment in WeWork?"

Nat scoffed. "Boring. I was thinking something more fun."

Lex smirked. "And what would that be?"

"A movie role," she said smoothly. "Or maybe let me do some singing. My mom loves bragging about me—I'm famous in the family."

Lex chuckled. "That so?"

"Absolutely," she said. "Besides, you owe me, remember?"

Lex shook his head, amused. "You want me to turn you into a pop star?"

"Maybe. Or just let me cameo in something. Put my name on a poster. Sell some records. Make my mother even more insufferable at family dinners."

Lex smirked. "I'll see what I can do."

"You better," Nat said, but she sounded pleased.

Lex let the silence stretch for a moment before speaking again. "Thanks, Nat."

"Yeah, yeah," she said, brushing it off. "Just don't make me regret it."

The line clicked off without a goodbye.

Lex tucked his phone back into his pocket. It look around, the interns where still busy churning paperwork and Barnie had his office blinds up blocking Lex's view.

Lex keycard the door before entering the war room. The air smelled faintly of paper and ink, the scent of freshly printed reports and legal filings stacked high on the large oak table.

Dante barely looked up. He was buried in documents, flipping through them with the precise efficiency of a man who made his living finding holes in things.

Lex smirked slightly. "Tell me you found something good."

Dante snorted, finally glancing up. "Oh, I found plenty. Whether or not you want to see it is another thing."

Lex let out a short chuckle, heading for the small cabinet in the corner. He pulled out his father's car keys, rolling them between his fingers.

Dante noticed immediately. "We're taking your car?"

Lex turned, tossing the keys up once and catching them. "Yeah."

Dante arched an eyebrow. "Not a Bentley?"

Lex smirked. "Nope. Let's go."

Dante scooped up a few files, tucking them under his arm. "Elinor's got the door locked, right?"

Lex smirked. "She always does."

Dante muttered something under his breath, but followed Lex out. It wasn't long when Dante was sitting wide eyed.

The Supra engine growled to life, a deep, familiar sound that settled in Lex's chest like an old memory. He let it idle for a moment before pulling out of the garage, smooth and controlled.

Dante glanced around the interior. "Gotta say, it's weird seeing you drive. Feels like you should have some guy in a suit doing it for you."

Lex smirked. "I don't trust other people behind the wheel."

Dante snorted. "Yeah, that sounds about right." He shifted, pulling out a manila folder and flipping through a few more pages. "Alright, so when we get there—"

Lex cut him off. "I talk. You stay quiet."

Dante glanced at him. "Excuse me?"

Lex didn't take his eyes off the road. "This is a surgical visit. We're not here to argue, negotiate, or get caught up in their bullshit. We're here to press the issue and walk out before anyone starts asking questions we don't like."

Dante let out a slow breath. "You think they're gonna push back?"

Lex's smirk was sharp. "They always push back. But they don't have leverage yet."

Dante shut the folder, watching Lex now. "And if they stall?"

Lex exhaled, switching lanes smoothly. "Then we remind them who's on their neck."

Dante chuckled, shaking his head. "Jesus. You really do like playing with fire."

Lex's black eyes flicked toward him briefly, then back to the road. "I just don't mind the heat."

The police station came into view, the dull gray building standing like a monolith against the skyline. Lex slowed as he approached, pulling smoothly into the lot.

Dante exhaled, adjusting his tie. "Alright, boss. Lead the way."

Lex smirked. "Try to keep up."

They stepped out of the car.

Time to make the next move.