The heavy, soundproof glass door of the Sanctum swung open.
Ryan didn't look up immediately. He was seated behind the massive walnut desk, reviewing a dense, highly classified financial report Diana had compiled regarding the acquisition of three regional manufacturing hubs in the Midwest.
The Warlord Protocol's aggressive expansion had shifted from software to concrete and steel.
He was actively buying the means of production, effectively strangling the legacy competitors by cutting off their access to raw materials.
"I thought I told Hayes to hold all calls," Ryan murmured, his voice a low, steady rumble that didn't invite contradiction.
He signed the final authorization page with a sharp, heavy stroke of his steel pen.
"You did," Zara replied, her velvet voice carrying an amused, aristocratic edge. "But I don't wait in lobbies, Ryan."
Ryan looked up.
