The heavy glass door clicked shut, sealing the corner office. The frosted privacy glaze held solid, rendering the transparent walls an impenetrable, glowing white.
Ryan sat back in his executive chair, the leather creaking softly under his weight. He had just stared down the federal government and watched them walk out of his building empty-handed.
He had neutralized the immediate, visible threat.
But that didn't let the adrenaline fade. The System demanded momentum. Defense was a dying man's game. It was time to go on the offensive.
He reached across the polished walnut desk and pressed the intercom button.
"Sophie. Send Hayes in."
Less than thirty seconds later, the heavy door swung open.
Hayes stepped into the room, the frosted glass immediately sealing behind him. The mercenary moved with a fluid, predatory economy of motion.
