The towering skyscraper of Black Inc loomed over the bustling city below, its sleek design a testament to the power and influence the Black family wielded. Castellano stood across the street, his disguise in place. His sharp eyes scanned the building as he adjusted his coat and hat. Despite the reports and the DNA evidence, a nagging doubt remained in his mind. Adrian Black wasn't the kind of man to go down so easily.
Crossing the street, Castellano entered the building, his demeanor calm but purposeful. The secretary, a young woman with glasses perched on her nose, greeted him with a polite but guarded smile.
"Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?" she asked.
"I'm here to see Nicholas Black," Castellano replied, his voice steady but firm. "I represent a group interested in partnering with Black Inc."
The secretary's smile wavered. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Black isn't taking meetings right now. He's in mourning."
Castellano feigned surprise. "Mourning? Oh no, I hadn't heard. What happened?"
The secretary hesitated, her professionalism faltering under the weight of the tragedy. "His brother, Adrian Black… he passed away recently. It's been a difficult time for the family."
Pretending to be taken aback, Castellano placed a hand over his heart. "That's terrible news. My condolences. Still, I must insist on meeting him. My business proposal is time-sensitive and could be just the thing to help Mr. Black focus on moving forward."
The secretary's brow furrowed. She glanced at the phone on her desk, clearly debating whether to allow this man into her boss's already fragile world. Finally, with a reluctant nod, she picked up the receiver and dialed Nicholas's office.
"Mr. Black," she said softly, "there's a man here to see you about a business proposal. He insists it's urgent."
A few seconds of silence passed before she hung up and motioned toward the elevators. "He'll see you now. Take the lift to the top floor."
Castellano thanked her and made his way to the elevator. As the doors closed behind him, his mind raced. If Adrian were truly dead, then Nicholas's grief would be genuine, and Castellano could put this suspicion to rest. But if this were all a ruse...
The elevator doors slid open to reveal Nicholas's office, a large but dimly lit room that exuded an air of heavy sorrow. Behind the massive mahogany desk sat Nicholas Black. His usual polished demeanor was nowhere to be found. His hair was unkempt, his shirt rumpled, and dark circles framed his hollow eyes. A half-empty bottle of whiskey sat on the desk, along with scattered papers.
Nicholas looked up as Castellano entered, his gaze unfocused and distant. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice raw and laced with exhaustion.
Castellano stepped forward, masking his scrutiny with feigned sympathy. "My name is Mr. Caden. I represent a group interested in partnering with Black Inc. But… forgive me for intruding at such a difficult time."
Nicholas let out a hollow laugh, leaning back in his chair. "Difficult time. That's putting it lightly." He gestured to the bottle. "Care for a drink? Misery loves company, or so they say."
"Thank you, but I'll pass," Castellano replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. If you don't mind me asking… what happened?"
Nicholas's face twisted with pain, and he reached for the bottle, pouring another glass. "What happened?" he echoed, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion. "Adrian... my brother... he was burned alive in his safe house. They say it was business rivals, but no one knows for sure. All I know is he's gone, and there's nothing I can do about it."
He took a long swig of whiskey, slamming the glass back onto the desk. "Do you know what it's like to lose someone who was your entire world? To feel like you've failed them when they needed you most?"
Castellano watched him carefully, noting the redness of his eyes and the slight tremor in his hands. If this was an act, it was a masterful one. But the doubt still lingered.
"I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling," Castellano said, his tone gentle but probing. "Your brother was a formidable man. He left quite the legacy."
Nicholas barked a bitter laugh. "Legacy? What legacy? Black Inc is a shadow of what it once was. Adrian was the one holding it all together. Without him..." He trailed off, his voice cracking.
The room fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by the sound of Nicholas pouring himself another drink. Castellano studied him, his mind racing. Everything Nicholas said aligned with the reports, yet something about the timing and execution of Adrian's supposed death still felt off.
Standing, Castellano straightened his coat. "I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Mr. Black. I won't keep you any longer. Again, my condolences."
Nicholas barely acknowledged him, waving him off with a dismissive hand. Castellano left the office, his mind spinning with suspicion. Adrian's death seemed too convenient, too orchestrated. And Nicholas's grief, though convincing, didn't erase the nagging feeling that he was being played.
As Castellano exited the building and walked into the bustling streets, he pulled out his phone and made a call.
"Keep an eye on Nicholas Black," he ordered, his voice cold and calculating. "And find me more information about Adrian's death. If they're playing me, I'll make sure they regret it."
With that, Castellano ended the call, his eyes narrowing. The game wasn't over yet.