The photos didn't leave Ava's mind.
They weren't random shots.
They were precise.
Strategic angles. Hidden cameras. Long-range surveillance.
Adrian hadn't just been watching them.
He had been studying them.
Selene stood in front of the digital boardroom screen, replaying the metadata from the envelope package.
"This wasn't mailed traditionally," she said. "It was delivered through a private courier network — one that doesn't log identities."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "He wants us paranoid."
Ava folded her arms, her mind racing faster than fear could settle.
"No," she said quietly. "He wants us divided."
Silence filled the room.
Adrian knew their strength was unity. If he could fracture that — even slightly — he would win without lifting a finger.
A new message flashed on Ava's tablet.
Upload scheduled. 24 hours.
Attached was a blurred preview of the photos.
Ethan swore under his breath. "He's going to leak them."
"Not if we move first," Ava replied.
She turned to Selene. "Find the investor backing him. If we expose that connection publicly, Adrian loses leverage."
Selene hesitated.
"There's something else," she said carefully. "Adrian isn't doing this for money anymore."
Ava's eyes narrowed. "Then what?"
Selene looked directly at her.
"You."
The word landed heavier than any threat.