Over the next two weeks Ethan systematically eliminated every remaining problem.
Not violently.
Not emotionally.
But strategically.
Competitors who tried to block his shipping contracts suddenly found their suppliers switching sides.
A hedge fund that had tried shorting his company discovered their positions collapsing when Ethan's algorithms predicted and countered every move.
Small rivals vanished quietly.
Investors who doubted him suddenly became eager partners.
The message spread quickly in the financial world.
Ethan Cole wasn't just talented.
He was dangerous to oppose.
One evening Ethan sat in the conference room reviewing the final reports.
Aria stood beside him.
"All your early rivals are gone," she said.
"Almost."
"Almost?"
Ethan closed the tablet.
"There's one more."
Cara appeared in the doorway.
"Let me guess," she said.
"Someone bigger."
Ethan nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Aria studied him carefully.
"You're moving up."
Ethan looked at the city skyline outside the window.
"I'm done playing with people my own level."
Cara smiled.
"Good."
She stepped fully into the room.
"Because someone interesting just asked about you."