VEIL OF DECEPTION

The city was built on power. But power was fragile—a single crack could bring it all crashing down.

Ethan watched as the first crack spread.

—

The morning headlines were brutal.

Pierce Industries had lost nearly half a billion overnight. Their stocks were plummeting, and investors were pulling out faster than they could contain the damage.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, watching the news with a smirk. Across the room, Dominic paced, rubbing his temples.

"This is insane," Dominic muttered. "You realize what you just did, right?"

Ethan took a slow sip of coffee. "Yeah. I started a war."

Dominic let out a breath. "And how do you think Pierce is going to respond?"

Ethan smirked. "Exactly how I want him to."

By noon, the city was buzzing. Everyone in the underworld knew that Pierce had been hit where it hurt.

And now? He was bleeding.

A black car pulled up outside Ethan's penthouse. He was already waiting when Seraphina stepped out, dressed in a sharp black suit, her heels clicking against the pavement.

"You made a mess," she said, stepping inside.

Ethan grinned. "You love it."

Seraphina poured herself a drink, crossing her legs. "Pierce is calling in favors. Big ones. People are choosing sides."

Ethan leaned forward. "And what about you?"

She met his gaze, a slow smile forming. "I like chaos, Ethan. It makes things interesting."

"That wasn't an answer."

She smirked. "Because I'm still deciding."

Ethan chuckled. "Then you better decide fast. Because things are about to get ugly."

—

That night, Dominic slammed open the door to Ethan's penthouse, breathing hard.

"They torched one of your warehouses."

Ethan didn't even blink. "Which one?"

"The one near the docks. It's gone."

Ethan exhaled, setting his drink down. "That was fast."

Dominic ran a hand through his hair. "Pierce isn't playing, Ethan. He's coming for your throat."

Ethan smiled. "Good. That means he's scared."

Dominic stared at him. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Ethan grabbed his jacket. "No, Dom." He walked to the door, his expression unreadable.

"I'm just getting started."