Chapter 2 Whispered Warnings

The night stretched long into morning, but Adrian didn't sleep. He sat in his office, unmoving, his reflection in the window barely recognizable. His mind replayed the words-Your father didn't die of natural causes. The voice, distorted but calm, was carved into his memory now.

He had questions-too many-but no answers.

His first instinct was to investigate. He trusted no one outside his circle, but even his circle now felt compromised. He dialed the one man he could trust with no questions asked.

"Samuel," Adrian said when the line picked up. "I need everything on my father's death. From the coroner's report to the last staff that saw him alive."

Samuel Wright had been the Vale family's private investigator for years. Silent. Loyal. Lethal when necessary.

"Discreetly?" Samuel asked.

"Discreet isn't even close to what I need. I want it buried until I say otherwise."

"Understood."

Adrian ended the call and finally stood, his back stiff, his jaw clenched. The truth was beginning to slip through cracks he didn't know existed.

He had built an empire. But now, he feared it was built on a foundation of lies.

---

Morning

Sunlight spilled into the penthouse, illuminating Elena's figure curled in the silk sheets of their shared bedroom. Adrian stood at the door, dressed in a charcoal suit, his face unreadable. He watched her sleep, wondering how well he really knew the woman he loved.

She stirred, eyes fluttering open. "You didn't come to bed."

"Couldn't sleep."

Elena sat up, sheets clinging to her like an afterthought. "What's wrong, Adrian?"

He hesitated. Just for a moment. "Business. I have to go in early."

She rose, walked to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You need to let yourself rest."

He didn't return the hug. Instead, he kissed her forehead and said nothing.

As he left, Elena watched him go, her eyes darkening.

---

At Vale Enterprises

The boardroom was filled with executives, but the air was colder than usual. Adrian entered and the chatter died instantly. Caleb was already seated, flipping through reports with a casual smile.

"Morning, cousin," Caleb greeted.

"You're early," Adrian replied.

"Big day," Caleb said. "Quarterlies come out soon. Everyone's holding their breath."

Adrian sat, fingers steepled. "Let's hope they're not holding it for too long."

The meeting began, but Adrian's mind was elsewhere. Watching. Listening. Testing.

After the board was dismissed, Caleb lingered.

"You okay? You seem... off."

"Just tired," Adrian replied.

Caleb studied him for a beat too long. Then smiled. "You're not invincible, you know. Even kings bleed."

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "And some snakes talk too much."

Caleb chuckled. "Touché."

As he left, Adrian's phone buzzed.

A single message from Samuel:

"There are inconsistencies in your father's autopsy. Very big ones."

Adrian's grip tightened around the phone. The web was tightening.

And someone wanted him blind.