[Reid Mansion—Benjamin's study]
The grandfather clock ticked steadily in the corner of the dimly lit study, a rhythmic reminder of the late hour.
Benjamin sat behind his mahogany desk, glasses perched low on his nose as he reviewed a stack of agreements. The lamp cast a warm glow across the polished wood but the air in the room was heavy and tense.
Just then, a sudden knock broke the stillness.
Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "Come in."
The door swung open and Olivia rushed in, breathless and wide-eyed with her phone clutched in her manicured hand.
"Benjamin—" she gasped, closing the door behind her. "Something has happened."
He didn't even look up. "You barged in at nearly ten at night. It better be important."
"It is," she insisted, walking closer with her heels clicking sharply against the marble. "Everyone is talking about it."
Curiously, he looked up and raised his brows.
"What is this?" he asked, adjusting his glasses.
