The helicopter was louder than Alex expected.
Wind cut across the rooftop as the blades spun above them.
Alex held the edge of his jacket and looked out over the city.
The skyline stretched endlessly in the morning light.
"You're serious about this," he said.
Adrian stood beside him.
"Yes."
Alex glanced at the helicopter again.
"This is how billionaires travel now?"
"Yes."
Alex sighed.
"I miss taxis."
Adrian didn't answer.
The pilot opened the door and nodded.
"Ready, sir."
Adrian stepped forward.
Alex followed.
Inside the helicopter the noise softened.
Headsets waited on the seats.
Alex sat and fastened the belt.
Adrian sat opposite him.
The pilot's voice came through the headset.
"Thirty-five minutes."
Alex nodded.
"Great."
The helicopter lifted.
The city dropped away beneath them.
Buildings shrank.
Roads turned into thin gray lines.
Alex leaned toward the window.
"This is ridiculous."
Adrian watched him.
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope not."
The helicopter moved toward the mountains outside the city.
Alex studied the landscape below.
The skyline faded behind them.
Green hills replaced concrete.
After several minutes he spoke again.
"So this retreat."
"Yes."
"What exactly is it?"
Adrian answered calmly.
"A private meeting of major shareholders."
Alex frowned.
"That sounds like a board meeting."
"It's more complicated."
Alex leaned back.
"How?"
Adrian looked out the window.
"Everyone there controls something."
Alex nodded slowly.
"That sounds dangerous."
"Yes."
Alex rubbed his chin.
"And Victor will be there."
"Yes."
Alex sighed.
"Of course he will."
The helicopter continued across the hills.
Soon a large estate appeared below.
Stone buildings.
Tall trees.
A lake nearby.
Helicopters already landed on the wide lawn.
Alex stared.
"That's not a retreat."
"What is it?"
Alex shook his head.
"That's a billionaire fortress."
The helicopter landed smoothly.
The blades slowed.
The door opened.
Warm mountain air filled the cabin.
Alex stepped out and looked around.
The estate was enormous.
Guards stood near the entrance.
Luxury cars filled the driveway.
Several executives stood near the main building speaking quietly.
And everyone turned when Adrian appeared.
Alex leaned toward him.
"They're staring again."
"Yes."
"Why do people always stare at you?"
Adrian answered calmly.
"Because I win."
Alex laughed quietly.
"That's terrifying."
They walked toward the main building.
Elena Vargas waited near the entrance.
She looked calm as always.
"You're late," she said.
Adrian checked his watch.
"No."
Alex nodded toward the building.
"Is everyone here already?"
"Almost," Elena said.
Alex looked around.
"Let me guess."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Victor?"
Elena nodded.
"He arrived an hour ago."
Alex sighed.
"That man really needs hobbies."
They entered the building.
Inside, the main hall looked like a luxury hotel lobby.
Stone walls.
Tall windows.
A fireplace burning despite the warm weather.
Groups of powerful people stood talking quietly.
The room shifted when Adrian walked in.
Conversations stopped.
Eyes turned.
Alex felt it immediately.
Recognition.
Curiosity.
Suspicion.
A tall man approached.
Older.
White hair.
Sharp blue eyes.
"Adrian."
"Thomas."
The man looked at Alex.
"So this is the famous husband."
Alex gave a small nod.
"Still alive."
Thomas smiled faintly.
"I like him already."
Elena spoke quietly.
"The meeting begins in ten minutes."
Thomas nodded.
"Good."
Then his expression changed slightly.
"Victor has been talking."
Alex sighed.
"That's his favorite activity."
Thomas looked at him carefully.
"You're aware of the rumors."
"Yes."
Thomas crossed his arms.
"People here will test you."
Alex shrugged.
"I grew up in New York."
Thomas laughed softly.
"Good answer."
Across the hall, another voice spoke.
"Well."
The room shifted again.
Alex turned.
Victor Moreau stood near the staircase.
Perfect suit.
Perfect posture.
Cold smile.
Alex muttered quietly,
"And here comes the storm."
Victor walked down the steps slowly.
Everyone watched.
He stopped a few feet away from Adrian.
"Adrian."
"Victor."
Victor's eyes moved to Alex.
"Mr. Carter."
Alex raised a hand slightly.
"Still poor."
Victor chuckled.
"That remains to be seen."
Elena stepped slightly forward.
"The meeting begins shortly."
Victor ignored her.
His attention stayed on Alex.
"You're very calm for someone under this much scrutiny."
Alex shrugged.
"I've had worse landlords."
A few people in the room laughed quietly.
Victor studied him.
"You're either brave…"
He paused.
"Or foolish."
Alex smiled faintly.
"Those are often the same thing."
Victor turned toward the others.
"You see?" he said.
"Our new mystery husband."
The room stayed silent.
Victor continued.
"An interesting addition to Adrian's empire."
Adrian's voice remained calm.
"Are you finished?"
Victor smiled.
"For now."
He stepped closer.
His voice lowered slightly.
"So tell me, Alex."
Alex met his gaze.
"Yes?"
Victor tilted his head.
"What exactly do you offer Adrian Laurent?"
The question hung in the room.
Everyone listened.
Alex thought for a moment.
Then he said simply,
"Honesty."
Victor raised an eyebrow.
"That's rare here."
Alex nodded.
"That's why it's valuable."
Victor watched him carefully.
For a second the room held its breath.
Then Victor smiled again.
"We'll see."
He turned and walked toward the meeting hall.
The tension followed him.
Alex exhaled slowly.
"Well."
Adrian looked at him.
"Well what?"
Alex rubbed his neck.
"That man really hates you."
"Yes."
Alex glanced toward the meeting hall doors.
"And he really wants me gone."
"Yes."
Alex smiled slightly.
"That's unfortunate."
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Alex looked toward the door where Victor had disappeared.
"Because now I'm curious."
Adrian studied him.
"That's dangerous."
Alex nodded.
"I know."
Elena stepped closer.
"The meeting begins."
Adrian nodded.
They walked toward the hall.
As the doors opened, Alex glanced once more at the crowded room.
Powerful men.
Powerful women.
And somewhere inside it all—
Victor Moreau waiting.
Alex leaned slightly toward Adrian.
"You know something?"
Adrian waited.
Alex smiled faintly.
"I think your enemy just made me interested in this war."
Adrian didn't answer.
But he didn't disagree either.
And that was the most dangerous part.