silence up here, on the 50th story of Steele Enterprises. The light from the tablet bounced off Isabella's face as she sat by herself in the darkened conference room. She saw columns o

her fingers drummed on

wrong. The patterns were too symmetrical, the numbers too exact. It was never that

stride had a steady, dominating rhythm that was as unique as his presence. The air changed like it always did when he

that was laced with something

logram, really. I am still here, of co

hyt

ie

abit among soldiers." Her eyes narrowed

, I didn't think CEOs developed

se. Alexander's face was still hidden as he cocked his head and observed her intently. "Capt

ing the floor a little. "Something is there. I sense it. However, the

demanded, her voice sharper but softer, with a hint of rawness. Or do you see this as just another game of numbers? Earnings?

e first time. The fissure. Not a sign of weakness. No-something more profound. managed discomf

she swallowed, her shields faltering. Because she saw things up close that she hadn't previously allowed herself to notice. His shoulders were tense, and his

ted witne

me too much of sta

nce with a calmer tone. "Not troops. Not in batt

ook place? Before she could stop h

. Then, at last-'My"dad. heart failure. It was...diffic

did. "I apologize." It wasn't sympathy. She ha

ho shared her motivations for constructing his stronghold. to live. After

, you won't be able to accomplish your goal. She made a small

illy. Not stern. Just...knowing. Then he turned and wa

the glass doors shut behind him. The fis

re afraid of that

are that anyone might defeat an