The morning after Adrian's declaration lingered in Kian's mind like a stubborn melody. "Because you're worth it." The words had been simple but carried a weight Kian wasn't sure how to bear. Adrian wasn't the kind of man to throw his trust—or his protection—around lightly, and Kian wasn't sure what it meant to have it now.
As he walked into the office, he resolved to focus on the immediate problem: Harlow. His strategy wasn't just to undermine Adrian anymore—it was aimed squarely at Kian, and the new protocols were tightening around him like a noose.
But Adrian had a plan.
And Adrian didn't lose.
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By the time Kian sat at his desk, a new email had already landed in his inbox. The subject line was as direct and unyielding as Harlow himself.
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Subject: Task Force Leadership Meeting
Team,
Please join me in Conference Room B at 3 PM today for an update on task force leadership and strategy. Attendance is mandatory.
