The pressure inside Ashford Tower did not ease overnight. By morning, the stock had dropped further. The decline remained controlled, almost disciplined, as if someone were guiding it carefully rather than allowing the market to react naturally.
Seraphina stood by the window in Lucien's office, watching the city below while holding her phone. The numbers refreshed again.
Another drop.
Lucien sat behind his desk, reviewing a series of reports on his tablet. His expression remained calm, but the tension in the room was undeniable. "They are maintaining the pattern," he said.
Seraphina turned toward him. "Yes," she replied. "They are controlling the descent."
Lucien looked up. "We traced several of the firms involved in the short positions," he said.
Seraphina walked closer. "And?"
Lucien tapped the screen and turned it toward her. "They lead to shell companies," he said.
Seraphina studied the data carefully.
