The Price of Invisibility

The mahogany doors of the Sterling study clicked shut, sealing Arthur Vance inside with the scent of stale scotch and impending ruin. Elena Sterling stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass, her silhouette framed by the harsh, artificial glare of the coastal redevelopment site. She didn’t turn when Arthur entered. The air in the room felt heavy, charged with the static of a failing empire.

“The board is in a frenzy,” Elena said, her voice a thin, brittle blade. She turned, sliding a heavy, cream-colored envelope across the desk. Beside it lay a fountain pen. “Marcus is currently tearing the legal department apart, and I’m expected to fix the mess you made with your little stunt today. Sign the addendum, Arthur. It forfeits any claim

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