Author’s POV

Nathan took a slow, steady breath as he stacked the last set of files on his desk — the Blackwood files, along with every report that tied their name to power, politics, and the President’s quiet circle.

He stared at the folders for a moment, fingers drumming lightly on the brown covers. The office was quiet — too quiet — and for the first time in weeks, the silence didn’t bother him.

A faint smirk curved his lips.

“So… they want to play games,” he murmured ...