The press conference was electric.
Flashes from cameras exploded like fireworks, reporters shouted over each other, and the internet caught fire the moment Nancy Carter stepped to the podium.
She wore all black.
Power. Precision. No apologies.
Adrian stood beside her—not in front, not behind, beside.
That alone said everything.
"We are officially merging select divisions of Carter & Co. and Blackwood Enterprises," Nancy said clearly. "This isn't about domination—it's about evolution. About survival. About standing stronger together when the world tries to tear us apart."
No one missed the edge in her voice.
She wasn't just addressing the media.
She was speaking directly to them.
---
Backstage – After the Conference
Adrian leaned closer.
"You made me look good up there," he murmured.
Nancy arched a brow. "I wasn't trying to."
He laughed. "I know. That's why it worked."
For a moment, they stood in silence. The crowd outside roared. The world was watching.
But in that space behind the curtains, it was just them.
And something between them pulsed. Real. Raw.
"Why me?" Adrian asked suddenly. "Why not do this alone?"
Nancy looked at him, then said the words that shook them both.
"Because I'm tired of building kingdoms I have to defend alone."
---
Elsewhere – The Hacker's Hideout
Lily sat beside the man in shadows—Dominic Black.
A name whispered in the business world like a curse. Brilliant, vengeful, forgotten brother of Adrian.
The one who had been exiled.
"Are you ready?" Lily asked.
Dominic leaned back, tapping into his laptop.
"Oh, sweetheart," he said. "You've been playing checkers. I've been rewriting the game board."
He hit "ENTER."
In that moment, dozens of encrypted files were deployed—false tax records, manipulated payroll logs, altered security codes.
All traced back to Carter & Co.
And worst of all?
It looked like Nancy had done it herself.
---
An Hour Later – Carter & Co. Office
Mia burst through Nancy's door, pale.
"IRS just contacted us," she said, shaking. "They're launching a formal audit. Someone's framed you, Nancy."
Nancy stood up slowly.
She already knew.
The price of power had come due.
And now?
It was time to make them all bleed.