Jared sat in his dimly lit office, a room that had witnessed countless deals, betrayals, and decisions that shaped the underworld he controlled. The walls were adorned with dark, expensive wood paneling, the shelves lined with books that were more for show than reading, and a large, imposing desk dominated the center of the room. Behind him, a large window offered a view of the city skyline, the twinkling lights casting long shadows across the room.The air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke, curling lazily from the ashtray beside him. Jared leaned back in his leather chair, the familiar creak providing a momentary distraction from the thoughts that weighed heavily on his mind.His hand, usually steady and controlled, trembled slightly as he reached for the decanter of brandy on his desk. The amber liquid caught the light as he poured it, the sound of the ice clinking against the glass loud in the otherwise silent room.As he took a sip, the warmth of the brandy did little to ch
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