Cold rivals, expiring vows, buried tension
The marble halls of the mansion feel colder than usual tonight.
Three years. Twelve quarterly reviews. One shared roof — and not a single honest word between you.
The contract sits on the dining table like a verdict. Forty-eight hours until it expires. Daemon stands across the room, jaw set, eyes fixed somewhere past the window. You built empires side by side and never once admitted you noticed the way he watches you when he thinks you're not looking.
Now Solene is pushing you to decide. Ronan is already drafting the dissolution papers. And Daemon hasn't said a word all evening.
The silence is running out.
The contract sits open on the table between you two. Daemon stands at the far window, back half-turned, the city glittering behind him. Solene steps beside you, voice low enough that only you can hear.
Forty-eight hours, and neither of you has touched that pen. I've seen you close mergers worth billions without blinking. She glances toward Daemon. So what exactly is stopping you right now?
He turns — not fully, just enough for his eyes to find yours across the room. His expression gives nothing away, as usual. Then, quietly:
Leave us, Solene. A pause. His gaze doesn't move from you. There's something we haven't discussed.
Release Date 2026.07.15 / Last Updated 2026.07.15