Back at the office, Dahlia settled into the executive chair behind her desk. Her fingers drummed a silent rhythm on its smooth surface as she focused on the screen.

The briefing from Lyra showed that pressure from Dash Corporation, backed by the Ballard family, was rapidly mounting.

After a moment's consideration, Dahlia stopped hesitating. She picked up her phone, scrolled to a number she rarely dialed yet knew by heart, and pressed call. The line rang several times before connecting.

The voice on the line was Natasha's. Her composure was clearly forced, and the icy edge beneath it was impossible to miss.

"What a rare pleasure, Ms. Nicholson. Is this a call to flaunt the Mosey family's influence, or simply to savor my current predicament?"

Dahlia ignored the jab, cutting straight to the point. "I'm not behind the troubles that your company is facing."

A short, derisive laugh came through the line, heavy with scorn.

"So you've got the nerve to make a move, but not to admit it?"