Sebastian's mind was racing, making connections and drawing lines between Richard Rice and the Chief Officer, Frank Ainsworth. The conspiracy had become much more complex, with seemingly ever-deeper layers emerging with each step they took.Sebastian returned his attention to William and Abigail, who were still seated in front of his desk and debating their options for the future. They all knew there was not much longer to act, and the tension was palpable."William, Abigail, we need to move quickly," Sebastian said quietly but firmly. "We must get to the bottom of this before anything comes up again."William nodded, his eyes narrowed with thought. "We have to see the Chief in person. If he is involved, we will have to confront him directly. He may not reveal everything, but we might be able to put pressure on him to make a mistake."Still shook by the news of Frank Ainsworth's involvement, Abigail cast a quick glance between the two men. "We will need more than just pressure if the

The Commissioner did not lose any time in getting back to work at his big desk. After watching the group leave, he picked up his phone and called Chief Officer Cyrus John directly. He had a serious expression on his face, fully aware of the gravity of the situation and how it could affect the entire police force.Chief John did not pick up the phone until it rang twice. "Commissioner, sir," his voice came through calmly but with a hint of concern, "what can I do for you?""I need you to come to headquarters immediately," the Commissioner said in a measured but firm tone. "There is an issue concerning Richard Rice that we need to address. Do not delay."Chief John's stomach dropped, but he tried to hide his worry. Just as he had thought, Sebastian had gone straight to the commissioner. "Yes, Sir. I will be there immediately.”When he hung up, his heart was racing. He knew that something horrible had happened. His hands trembled slightly as he grabbed his coat and left his office, hurri

The Commissioner was lost in thought as he sat at his desk the following day. He was thinking a lot about the situation involving Chief John. Even though he had known John for years, it was disappointing and worrisome to be taken by surprise by his behavior. The mention of the Nike family was the real problem, though, and it chilled him to the bone. An excessive amount of unfounded rumors and covert power transfers were traced back to the Nikes.The Commissioner picked up the phone and dialed a number he had not used in a long time, his expression grim. The phone rang twice before someone calm and authoritative picked up."Sebastian prime.""It is the Commissioner, Mr. Prime," he leaned back in his chair. "You might find some of the information I have to be interesting. It relates to the case we have been investigating... and the Nike family."The phone froze for a moment, but Sebastian's voice did not waver. "Go ahead."The Commissioner inhaled deeply before proceeding. "I met with

Seated in his hideout, Gray Shelf's gaze was fixed on the crackling fireplace flames. His mind was filled with cold, calculated thoughts that were not much warmed by the room's warmth. He had started to hear rumors about the Nike family.It did not surprise him because he was accustomed to hearing alarming stories about the Nike family—corruption, bribery, and manipulation. Thus, Gray hardly raised an eyebrow when his private investigator called to give an update.His desk phone began to buzz. Calmly, he reached over and held the receiver up to his ear."What is in store for me?" Gray spoke in a steady, low voice that was devoid of emotion.There was no delay for the investigator on the other end. "Sir, I have some updates. The setup against Sebastian involves a significant involvement from the Nike family. They bought Chief John off, but the Commissioner found out. John seemed to be unable to take the pressure and revealed everything. Now that the Commissioner is looking into the bri

As the words registered, Senior Nike froze, his piercing gaze fixed on the Commissioner's face. How on earth could he be aware of that? Only a small number of people in the Nike family were aware of the secret operations that had been hidden for years within the former Nike company. Senior Nike had made sure that as soon as Sebastian Prime took over the company, all evidence of it was eliminated. And yet here was the Commissioner, discussing it with a frightening assurance.Senior Nike was an expert at exercising self-control, even with the alarm going off inside his head. He schooled his expression quickly, letting only a fleeting glimpse of shock pass over his features before covering it with a cool, collected air. He could not afford to appear weak in the slightest. "Commissioner, I do not know what you think you have uncovered, but I assure you, there is no hidden business related to my family in Prime Enterprise 2," he said with a smooth but unmistakably sharp voice.The Commis