Far from the polished towers of Styles Industries—
Far from the calm rhythm of Riley and Stephanie's growing closeness—
Another meeting was taking place.
One hidden behind locked doors and silence.
Rain tapped softly against the massive glass windows of the private lounge, the city skyline beyond blurred beneath dark clouds gathering overhead.
The atmosphere inside the room was heavy.
Not loud.
Not chaotic.
But dangerous.
A large screen glowed faintly against the dim lighting, displaying the image of a man seated comfortably behind an expensive mahogany desk.
Refined appearance.
Silver-threaded dark hair.
Sharp eyes filled with practiced charisma.
The kind of face people trusted on television.
The kind that won votes.
Senator Adrian Vale.
The leading presidential candidate opposing the current administration.
And a man rapidly gaining influence across the country.
