The rain had turned to a bitter, freezing sleet by the time the Escalade reached the cobblestone streets of Tribeca.
Ryan didn't head up to the penthouse immediately.
He directed Hayes to the subterranean loading dock of the newly acquired flagship building, Osei Maison.
The massive, industrial space, usually silent after hours, was humming with focused, aggressive energy.
The launch was tomorrow.
Ryan stepped out of the vehicle, the cold dampness of the garage biting through his overcoat. He bypassed the freight elevators and took the heavy steel stairwell up to the main retail floor.
The transformation was absolute.
The sprawling warehouse had been meticulously curated. The harsh, geometric lighting he had seen days ago was softened, casting a warm, predatory glow over the matte-black racks.
