Chapter 31: Shadows of the Past

Ethan Carter paced the war room at Zenith Tower, his mind a storm of calculations and contingencies. His team sat at the conference table, analyzing Jonathan Carter's next moves. The defeat of SurePay had shaken Carter Holdings' fintech ambitions, but Jonathan's cryptic warning still echoed in Ethan's thoughts. "The board is far larger than you think." It wasn't just a taunt—it was a statement of intent. Jonathan was moving pieces Ethan hadn't yet accounted for, and the realization only sharpened his resolve.

Sophia Brooks sat at the table, scrolling through the latest financial reports. "Jonathan's pivoting faster than expected. He's already shifted resources to renewable energy and healthcare, targeting regions we've only just entered. If we don't solidify our presence soon, he could outflank us."