Michael Helwart’s steps echoed down the polished marble corridor of Helwart Enterprises, steady and resolute, until Simon’s hesitant voice broke through the air.

“Mr. Helwart,” Simon called carefully, his tone the practiced neutrality of someone who lived on the knife’s edge between two warring forces.

Michael stopped mid-stride. The tall man pivoted slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he regarded his assistant with the same cold scrutiny he reserved for rival executives. “Which ...