The rooftop bar glittered with golden lights and fake laughter.
Daniel always chose places that looked expensive.
It created the illusion of success.
Ethan arrived exactly on time.
Not early.
Not late.
Control begins with timing.
Daniel waved from a private table surrounded by two minor investors and three women who looked more interested in champagne than business.
"Tonight," Daniel announced loudly, "we celebrate the future!"
Applause followed.
Ethan smiled lightly and took his seat.
Five years ago, he had felt proud sitting here.
Tonight, he felt like a man attending his enemy's funeral—before the death.
Daniel poured him a drink personally.
A small gesture.
Symbolic.
Ownership disguised as friendship.
"To expansion," Daniel said, raising his glass.
Ethan clinked it.
"To clarity."
Daniel's smile flickered for half a second.
Hours passed.
Laughter.
Small talk.
Subtle probing.
Daniel kept asking indirect questions:
"How liquid are you right now?""Would you personally guarantee expansion?""Are you comfortable signing as primary authority?"
Five years ago, Ethan answered openly.
Tonight, he deflected smoothly.
Then Daniel made his move.
"Actually," he said casually, pulling out a folder, "I brought preliminary documents. Nothing serious. Just structure."
There it was.
Early setup.
Ethan took the folder.
Calmly.
Unhurried.
He flipped through the pages.
On the surface—clean.
Professional.
But he noticed it instantly.
Clause 14.
Primary Financial Liability: Ethan Cole.
Daniel's name listed under Strategic Advisor.
Minimal risk.
Maximum control.
Beautiful trap.
Daniel leaned back confidently.
"Just formalities," he said. "We'll adjust later."
Ethan activated the system silently.
[Market Insight – Contract Scan Active]Risk Probability: SevereHidden Clauses: 3Future Fraud Probability if Signed: 91%
Ninety-one percent.
Daniel was already building the structure.
Earlier than in the original timeline.
The system flickered.
[Timeline Deviation: 9%]
Danger rising.
Good.
That meant Daniel was nervous.
Ethan closed the folder.
Smiled.
"This is impressive," he said calmly.
Daniel relaxed slightly.
"But I'll have my legal team review it."
Silence.
Daniel blinked.
"Legal team?"
"Yes," Ethan replied casually. "Nova Capital recommended someone."
The name landed like a stone in water.
Daniel's jaw tightened slightly.
"Nova Capital?" he repeated.
Hook set.
Ethan took a slow sip of his drink.
"They reached out."
The investors at the table exchanged glances.
Daniel forced a laugh.
"Since when?"
"This morning."
And then Ethan leaned forward slightly.
"They don't like unstable partnerships."
Direct hit.
Daniel's eyes hardened.
Just for a moment.
The mask slipped.
There it was.
The real Daniel.
Cold. Calculating. Threatened.
He recovered quickly.
"Bro, you're overthinking," Daniel said lightly.
"Am I?"
Ethan held his gaze.
Three seconds.
Four.
Five.
Daniel looked away first.
The system pulsed.
[Influence Point Used: Dominance Pressure]Remaining: 8Effect: Target destabilized – High
Daniel suddenly stood up.
"Excuse me, I need to take this call."
He walked away quickly.
Phone already in hand.
Calling someone.
Probably adjusting plans.
Ethan remained seated.
One of the minor investors leaned closer.
"Is Nova Capital really interested?" he whispered.
Ethan didn't answer directly.
"They invest in winners."
Simple.
Powerful.
The investor sat back, thoughtful.
Doubt had been planted.
Not in Daniel.
In his circle.
Much more dangerous.
Daniel returned ten minutes later.
Smile restored.
But his eyes were colder now.
"Let's revisit documents later," he said smoothly. "No rush."
No rush.
Translation: Regroup and redesign trap.
Ethan stood up.
"Of course."
As he walked toward the elevator, his phone vibrated.
System alert.
[Hostile Action Detected.]Daniel Hayes initiated financial probe into Host's assets.Probability of smear campaign within 48 hours: 63%
Ethan stepped into the elevator.
Doors closing slowly.
He watched Daniel through the narrowing gap.
Daniel wasn't smiling anymore.
Good.
Fear made people predictable.
The elevator doors shut completely.
Ethan's reflection stared back at him in the mirrored walls.
Five years ago, he was blindsided.
Now—
He was ten steps ahead.
But the system flickered again.
This time differently.
[Warning: Unknown Observer Monitoring Host Activity.]
Unknown observer?
Not Daniel.
Someone else.
The game wasn't just about betrayal anymore.
It was bigger.
And someone powerful was watching.
Ethan's smile faded slightly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.