A few days after his conversation with Roderic, Lucian received troubling news from one of his informants. A rival entrepreneur, who had been growing increasingly desperate, had reached out to someone within Lucian's own ranks. The details were sparse, but the implication was clear—someone close to Lucian was being courted to betray him.
The revelation hit Lucian like a cold wave. Betrayal was always a risk in his line of work, but he had believed that his core team was loyal, bound by the success they had built together. Now, that belief was being tested.
Lucian called an emergency meeting with Eveline, Selene, Roderic, and Gideon. They gathered in the secure meeting room, their expressions ranging from concern to suspicion as Lucian shared what he had learned.
"Someone is working with our enemies," Lucian said, his voice steely. "I don't know who, and I don't know how far it's gone, but I won't tolerate betrayal."