High above the sprawling skyline of Helion City, in the penthouse office of the tallest skyscraper, an imposing figure sat behind a massive mahogany desk. Its surface gleaming under the soft glow of meticulously placed lights, a silent proclamation of wealth and dominance.

His very presence seemed to dominate the room; the air carried a subtle weight, as though the walls themselves bent to his will.

Every detail of his appearance was meticulously curated.

The tailored suit that fit him with unerring precision, the sharp lines of his features, and the piercing blue eyes that seemed to dissect and analyze all they fell upon.

His gaze was calculating, relentless, stripping away pretense with cold efficiency.

Dark hair streaked with silver lent him an air of distinguished authority, though it did little to soften the coldness that radiated from him.

If anything, the streaks enhanced his aura of untouchable command.

This was Gerard Thalen, CEO of Thalen Industries - a titan whose influence spanned technology, defense, and beyond.

His name was synonymous with power, his empire a fortress that few dared to challenge.

Ruthless, calculating, and relentless, he was a man few dared to cross; his reputation reached far beyond the confines of Helion City. Inspiring fear in circles as varied as corporate boardrooms and clandestine dealings.

The silence in the room was interrupted as the door opened seamlessly.

A section of the polished wall retracting to admit Evelyn, his trusted secretary; her presence brought a sharp contrast to the heavy stillness Gerard commanded.

She strode in with effortless poise, the picture of professionalism; each step deliberate and measured, betraying none of the weariness she kept hidden beneath her polished exterior.

Her long, auburn hair was styled to perfection, and her sharp green eyes missed nothing; their clarity mirrored the precision with which she executed her responsibilities.

Evelyn’s tailored suit was both elegant and practical, accentuating her figure while exuding authority; every detail of her appearance spoke of unyielding discipline and meticulous planning.

She carried an air of efficiency and intelligence that left no doubt about her importance; fiercely loyal and unflinchingly capable, she was far more than just an assistant.

"The transfer of the players from Silent Echo has been completed, Sir," Evelyn announced, her tone crisp and precise; the clarity of her words allowed no room for ambiguity.

"Talara Venn is left with an empty team and little time to recruit new members."

A cold smile touched Gerard’s lips.

The expression devoid of warmth; it was calculated, a blade honed for emotional impact rather than connection.

"Good. Let her feel what it means to lose everything."

"Sir, what should we do with the players?" Evelyn inquired, her voice measured; her neutrality belied the tension she sensed building in the room.

"We already have a full team. Shall I release them?"

Gerard’s eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting through her like a blade; the sharpness of his stare carried a weight that made silence feel oppressive.

"Do you realize what would happen if you released them? They’d crawl back to that team the moment they could."

"I don’t care what you do with them; have them mop the floors for all I care. They’re worthless."

Evelyn hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing, her voice softer now; the pause betrayed a faint shadow of doubt she worked quickly to conceal.

"There are also reports of her attempting to recruit new members, but so far, her efforts have been…” Evelyn took a pause. “Whatsoever fruitless."

Leaning back in his chair, Gerard clasped his hands together, satisfaction glinting in his eyes; the gesture was slow, deliberate—a display of control rather than comfort.

"Good. Keep me informed of her every move. I want to know how she struggles; every step of the way."

Evelyn inclined her head in acknowledgment before turning to leave.

Yet as she walked toward the door, her expression grew somber; her mask of professionalism cracked slightly, letting traces of emotion bleed through.

Memories flickered in her mind, unbidden, of the man Gerard used to be; fragments of warmth and vision that had long been consumed by his ambition.

Once, he had been a beacon of visionary leadership, admired for his dedication and charisma; a light that drew others in, inspiring loyalty through genuine connection rather than fear.

He had been not only a brilliant boss but a caring brother; a rare balance of humanity and brilliance now lost.

But that man was gone, replaced by a shadow consumed by cold ambition and unrelenting vengeance.

Pausing just outside the door, Evelyn whispered under her breath, the words laced with quiet sorrow; her voice barely audible, yet filled with heavy truth.

"Ridge... you were the only one who could have stopped this madness."

Her green eyes softened, though the fire of unspoken grief simmered beneath her composure. 

She wished she could find a trace of him; anything to suggest he might still exist. But each day, that hope seemed more like a fading dream.

Inside, Gerard remained seated, his calculating mind already orchestrating his next move. 

To him, every plan and strategy was a thread in an intricate tapestry of control, one that allowed no space for deviation or weakness. His thoughts moved like pieces on a chessboard, each one sharp and deliberate, crafted for maximum impact.

But as the silence settled, a shadow flickered across his expression. 

Brief, faint, almost imperceptible; a ghost of something deeper, buried beneath years of cold ambition. Whether it was guilt, longing, or regret, he would never admit it, not even to himself.

Revenge had long since become his guiding principle, a force more powerful than reason; his world revolved around it, every choice molded to fuel this singular obsession.

He exhaled sharply, his focus sharpening once more as he dismissed the fleeting moment of vulnerability. The plans awaited; always the plans. 

His lips curled into a faint, humorless smile.

"Your move, Talara," he muttered, his voice low and sharp. 

"Let’s see how far you can crawl before I end this."

*****