Dexter’s mind raced, the man’s words settling like a weight on his chest. The choice, whatever it was, had already been presented. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when. He had always known the world was a game of power—one he had to win if he was going to survive. But now, it wasn’t just about surviving. It was about dominating, taking back everything he’d worked for.“What choice are you talking about?” Dexter asked, his voice steady despite the tension building inside him. He knew this was no ordinary crossroads. Whatever decision he made here would send ripples through everything he had built, altering the course of his life forever.The man’s gaze was unwavering, a cold calculation behind his eyes. “You’ll have to choose sides, Dexter. You think you’re playing the game, but you’re not. You’re just another piece. To change that, to make your own moves, you need to decide who you want to align with.”Dexter leaned forward, his mind racing to process what the man was implying. “And who

Dexter’s days blended into one another as he entered a rhythm of relentless preparation. The stakes had never been higher, and every step forward demanded precision. There was no margin for error in the world he was about to conquer. Each meeting, each deal, each maneuver mattered. The people he surrounded himself with—whether allies or pawns—had to be carefully chosen. Trust was something that was earned, and even then, it was a fragile thing in this unforgiving world. Dexter knew better than to rely on anyone completely, but he had learned that control, once gained, was the only thing that could keep him ahead.Ava had noticed the changes, of course. She could see the toll it was taking on him, the late nights and the mental exhaustion that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Yet, she said nothing. She had learned over time that Dexter didn’t need comforting in the way most people did. He needed space, understanding that his silence didn’t stem from anger, but from the storm of his th

Dexter stood there, staring out at the cityscape as the wind swept through the high-rise office, tousling his hair. The lights below flickered like the stars in the sky, a representation of how small the world really was when you had the power to control it. He had come so far, and yet, there was so much more to do. His mind raced with plans, strategies, and people to manipulate. He was no longer just a survivor—he was a king in the making, and the world was his kingdom. But the weight of it all pressed on him in ways he hadn’t expected.His phone buzzed, breaking him from his thoughts. It was a message from Ava, the only person who still seemed to ground him, though he knew deep down that even she was becoming a distant figure in his life. She was worried, concerned, and perhaps even afraid of the man he was becoming. But Dexter didn’t have time to reassure her, not when he was on the brink of something far bigger.He read her message quickly, his mind already on his next move.Ava:

The sky outside was streaked with hues of orange and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon, but Dexter’s mind was far from appreciating the beauty of the evening. He sat in the backseat of his car, the faint hum of the engine barely registering. His phone buzzed repeatedly in his hand, notifications lighting up the screen. Marcus had been busy, and the updates rolled in like clockwork.Blackwell’s empire was crumbling faster than anticipated. Bank accounts frozen, assets seized, and his allies turning their backs on him—all orchestrated with surgical precision. Dexter had spent months ensuring every thread of Blackwell’s network was unraveled, and now, as the pieces fell into place, a cold satisfaction settled over him. But satisfaction wasn’t enough. Not anymore.“Where to now, sir?” his driver asked cautiously, glancing at him in the rearview mirror.Dexter leaned back, his gaze fixed on the city lights. “Take me to the estate.”The driver nodded, and the car eased into motion.

The city was alive with shadows as night wrapped around its towering buildings and dim alleyways. Dexter stood on the balcony of his estate, the cold breeze brushing against his face. The faint glow of the city lights below gave the illusion of calm, but he knew better. Blackwell’s attack was imminent, and the assassins hired to carry out his schemes were closing in.Marcus burst onto the balcony, urgency etched into his face. “We’ve located Evangeline. She’s holed up in a suite at the Bellcrest Hotel. Our surveillance confirms she hasn’t moved since arriving.”Dexter’s gaze remained fixed on the horizon. “And Kane?”“Still no sign, but the tracker planted on one of Blackwell’s former aides is giving us leads. We’ve intercepted encrypted communications; Kane is involved, but he’s keeping low.”Dexter turned, his expression calm yet menacing. “Evangeline first. She’s the immediate threat. Assemble a team. No direct confrontation—gather information, destabilize her network, and keep her