The man tilted his head ever so slightly, considering that. The city lights reflected faintly off the glass, casting moving shadows across his hands.
"And Atlético?" he asked. "Any response?"
The assistant shook her head once. "Nothing yet. It appears they're not aware City have raised their bid."
His fingers began to tap then. Slow. Thoughtful. Not impatient.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
A faint smile crept to the corner of his mouth, the kind that did not reach the eyes but stayed there anyway.
"Well," he said quietly, almost to himself, "now we have to make sure they find out, don't we?"
The assistant inclined her head, understanding immediately.
"Okay, sir."
She turned without another word, heels silent against the thick carpet, and slipped out of the office, closing the door with practiced care.
The man remained still for a moment longer, watching the city as if it were a chessboard slowly revealing itself. The smile lingered, thin and satisfied.
Then he reached for the phone.
