"You can't wear that to a revenge meeting," Mia deadpanned as Nancy stepped out of the elevator in designer heels and a full power suit.
Nancy arched a brow. "Why not?"
"You look like you're about to sue God."
Nancy smirked. "Good. Because He's the only one I haven't taken to court this week."
They both cracked a laugh—but it didn't last long.
Because the war room wasn't waiting.
---
Inside the Conference Room
Adrian sat back, tossing stress balls from one hand to the other while the team discussed cybersecurity sweeps.
Nancy walked in, her heels sharp, her energy sharper. She dropped her phone on the table and pulled out a whiteboard marker.
"Alright," she said. "Let's go full Game of Thrones."
"Please don't kill me off in Season Three," Adrian muttered.
She looked at him over her shoulder. "Only if you betray me with your evil ex again."
"I didn't betray you," he said, raising a brow. "I just... failed to mention my vengeful brother was trying to ruin your life. Classic family dinner stuff."
Mia leaned over and whispered to Nancy, "You sure you don't want to just punch him a little?"
"I can hear you both," Adrian muttered.
"Good," Mia and Nancy said in sync.
---
The Plan: Phase One – Leak the Leaker
With the help of Mia's hacker friend (who insisted on being paid in rare Pokémon cards and bubble tea), they created a fake financial report—the kind Dominic would be dying to steal.
"It's bait," Nancy said. "If he tries to leak it, we'll have proof he's operating illegally. And we'll trace the route back to his IP."
"Feels like cyber warfare," Adrian said.
"It's not," Nancy replied. "It's girl-coded vengeance."
---
That Night – Nancy's Apartment
Adrian crashed on her couch—too many threats, too many moving pieces, and apparently, no one wanted him at his penthouse while it was being "swept."
Nancy stood in the kitchen, pouring two glasses of wine.
"You're lucky I don't have a dog," she said.
"Why?"
"Because you'd be sleeping in the hallway."
Adrian grinned. "Don't act like you don't secretly enjoy having me around."
She handed him a glass. "You snore."
"You wear heels that sound like war drums."
They stared at each other. And for the first time in days, the air wasn't heavy. It was warm. Almost playful.
Then she sat beside him, not too close—but not far either.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"For what?"
"For standing next to me. Not in front of me."
Adrian looked at her for a long moment.
"I like the view better from here anyway."
---
Elsewhere – Dominic's Hideout
Dominic hit "download" on the fake file.
And just like that—he stepped into their trap.