DAPHNE’S POV

Empire-hacking is not loud. It does not happen in boardrooms or headlines.

The first message arrived at 6:17 a.m.

“We have a problem and it's really urgent. Client X funds are missing. Come to my office.”

I didn’t hesitate. I threw on a blazer over last night’s dress, smoothed my hair in the rearview mirror, and sped toward the firm. Every red light felt personal and every honk, an alarm.

Inside the office, Henry Aldridge sat behind his desk, feet perched on the edge, ...