Soft Addiction

nzo'

is already filled with power-hungry men. I can't risk adding more. "I need a meeting with him this afternoon," I finally said. "Yes Boss." Damian nodded and immediately stood up and left. Soon I was left alone in the room with my thoughts. The coffee had grown cold, but I barely noticed. Trust was a rare commodity in my world, and I can't risk bringing more power-hungry people close. The morning continued to cast its soft glow as I rose from the dining table, leaving the coffee and untouched pastries behind. My mind was preoccupied with the unsettling proposition. As I made my way to my study, I walked through the adorned hallway. The walls were decorated with luxurious paintings. At the corner was a portrait of my mom. One I consider to be the most valuable amongst the million-dollar paintings. I reached the heavy doors of my study and pushed them open, the hinges creaking slightly. The room was a sanctuary of power and strategy, lined with bookshelves filled with volumes on law, history, and the art of war. A large mahogany desk dominated the center, its surface meticulously organized with documents and a single, ornate lamp casting a soft light. I moved to the desk, my fingers brushing over the smooth wood as I took my seat in the high-backed leather chair. The weight of the decision ahead settled heavily on my shoulders. Trust was a rare commodity, and I was about to make a deal with a man who had none. The study, with its quiet and solitude, was the perfect place to contemplate my next move. The silence of the study was soon interrupted by a firm knock on the door. I looked up from the paper scattered across the desk. "Come in," I said, my voice firm. The door opened, and Damian walked in. His expression was serious, a clear indication that he has something important to say. "Boss," Damian began, his voice low and respectful. "Marco is here," he added. Just then did I take a glance at the clock; I have actually spent hours here, lost in contemplation. Time had really slipped away. "Okay, I will be downstairs soon," I said. Damian nodded as he left the room, slightly leaving the door open. I was about to test the limit of a man who had no loyalty. As I left the study, the quiet solitude gave way to the whispers coming from the kitchen staff as they prepared lunch. My footsteps deliberately echoed through the hallway as I made my way downstairs. I already had a plan, and adding Marco to The Four was not an option. My mind raced with thoughts of betrayal and desperation, but my face remained