Marcus Hale had been Ethan's rival long before the corporate world.
Back in school Marcus had been loud, confident, and used to winning every competition simply because no one else challenged him seriously.
Until Ethan.
Marcus had mocked him once.
Called him a "calculator with no spine."
Now Marcus was the one trying to quietly sabotage Ethan's first company.
Ethan studied the report calmly.
"He's buying through shell accounts," Aria said.
Cara crossed her arms.
"Clumsy ones."
Ethan looked up.
"Why warn me?"
Cara shrugged.
"Because I prefer strong competitors."
She leaned closer.
"And because watching you dismantle him will be entertaining."
Ethan turned back to the screen.
Marcus had been clever enough to disguise his involvement—but not clever enough to avoid Ethan's algorithms.
Ethan typed a few commands.
Financial models shifted.
Ownership charts rearranged.
Then Ethan smiled faintly.
"He thinks he's attacking me," Ethan said.
Aria's eyes narrowed slightly.
"But he's walking straight into your trap."
"Yes."
Cara leaned against the table, intrigued.
"Oh this I want to see."