The walk back to the club felt longer than before. Every step Caleb took was measured, his mind running through every possible outcome. If Dante believed the altered data, he'd still have a job. If he didn't, Caleb would be dead before the night was over. Inside, the club was as alive as ever. High-ranking players of the Time Market moved through the space, their conversations laced with power plays and hidden deals. Caleb ignored them. His only focus was the private booth at the back. Dante was already there, waiting. His silver watch gleamed under the low lights, and his eyes, sharp and knowing, locked onto Caleb the moment he entered. Caleb slid into the seat across from him, keeping his movements calm, deliberate. He placed the ledger on the table and pushed it forward. "Your answer." Dante didn't look at it immediately. Instead, he studied Caleb. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken implications. Then, finally, he picked up the device and activated the display. His eyes flicked over the data. No reaction. No shift in expression. Just cold calculation. Caleb kept his breathing steady. This was it. After what felt like an eternity, Dante shut off the device. He leaned back, tapping his fingers once against the table. "Interesting." Caleb said nothing. Dante tilted his head slightly, watching him. "So you're telling me this was an external breach?" "That's what the data says," Caleb replied smoothly. "Whoever pulled this off wasn't just good. They had the resources to redirect an entire shipment before anyone in the syndicate caught on. If you act fast, you might still be able to trace it before it's buried completely." Dante was silent for a moment. Then, he smiled—a slow, knowing smile. Caleb felt his pulse quicken. Had he bought it? Dante placed the ledger down, steepling his fingers. "You're either the smartest man in the room or the most reckless." Caleb didn't blink. "There's a fine line between the two." Dante let out a quiet chuckle. "And which one are you?" "Depends on the day," Caleb said. Dante studied him, his expression unreadable. Then, he nodded slowly. "Alright, Caleb. We'll act on this lead. But let me be clear—if I find out you're playing me, if this trail leads nowhere, you won't get another chance." Caleb met his gaze without hesitation. "Understood." Dante held his stare for a few seconds longer, then picked up the ledger and stood. "Good. Now let's see what kind of player you really are." Without another word, he turned and walked away. Caleb exhaled quietly. He had passed the first test—but the game was far from over. The real danger was just beginning.