VEIL OF DECEPTION

The city's underworld was a battlefield. But wars weren't always won with bullets—sometimes, the deadliest weapon was leverage.

And Ethan had just placed his opponent in check.

—

Pierce's hands trembled as he shut the folder. The weight of his own sins crushed him.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his smirk unreadable. "You always thought power made you untouchable."

Pierce's jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're doing."

Ethan chuckled. "Oh, but I do. You see, Pierce, you made enemies everywhere. And I've been collecting them."

He gestured around. "Your investors? They're backing out. Your allies? They're reconsidering. And your enforcers? Let's just say they're looking for better opportunities."

Pierce's nostrils flared. "You little—"

Ethan cut him off. "Careful. I still have your secrets. And trust me, one slip… and you lose everything."

Silence.

Then Pierce exhaled, defeated. "What do you want?"

Ethan leaned forward, voice sharp as a blade. "Step down."

Pierce's eyes widened. "You're insane."

Ethan tilted his head. "No. I'm just better at this than you."

—

By morning, the headlines were brutal.

PIERCE INDUSTRIES CEO RESIGNS AMID SCANDAL

A Legacy Destroyed: Donovan Pierce Under Investigation

Ethan stood on the balcony of his penthouse, watching the city as chaos unfolded.

Dominic joined him, a slow grin forming. "You actually did it."

Ethan sipped his coffee. "Told you I would."

Dominic shook his head. "And now? What happens next?"

Ethan smirked, eyes glinting with something dangerous.

"Now? We build something bigger."

—

In the shadows, a new name was whispered. A name that struck fear.

Ethan wasn't just rich. He wasn't just powerful.

He was something far more dangerous.

Untouchable.