After the meeting, Emily and Alexander stepped outside.
The air felt heavier.
Emily exhaled slowly.
"He's dangerous."
Alexander nodded.
"Yes."
Emily looked thoughtful.
"He's not just attacking the company."
Alexander glanced at her.
"What do you mean?"
Emily replied,
"He's studying us."
Alexander's expression darkened.
"He always does."
Emily turned toward him.
"This is bigger than business, isn't it?"
Alexander didn't answer immediately.
Then he said quietly,
"Yes."
Emily took a deep breath.
"Then we need to be ready."
Alexander stepped closer.
"We will be."
He paused.
"No matter what happens… I won't let anything happen to you."
Emily smiled softly.
"You always say that."
Alexander looked into her eyes.
"And I always mean it."
The city lights flickered around them.
And somewhere in the shadows—
A much bigger battle was beginning.