THE TWIN'S DECEPTION

tan skyline like a monument to ambition. Fifty-two stories of wealth,

uit sharp enough to cut. At sixty-seven, he still commanded a room with nothing more than his presence. The twelve board members seated

, every contract, every billion-

decades in business. "Our expansion into Asian markets has exceeded expectations.

oval rippled ar

go-a single manufacturing plant that he'd leveraged into a multinational conglomerate. Real estate,

n, he would pass i

m comfort. Instead, it twisted som

ventured carefully. "Th

ng on the present. "Yes.

looked like a younger version of his father-same sharp features, same commanding presence,

and professional. He began walking the board thro

e and something harder to name. Damien had always been the responsible one.

sponsibili

arance but somehow completely different in energy. Where Damien was contained and precise, Adrian radiated a more casual c

he business that required thinking outside the rigid structure

ine. Same i

chest tigh

majority. That's how empires survived-clear hierarchy, dec

h one de

one board member commented as Damien concl

hesitation. "We've stress-tested ev

is voice cutting through t

numbers are solid. Conservative, even. I'd push harder

a look-not hostile, but m

Competition made men strong. It

he wondered if he'd creat

members straightened in their seats. When Richard Blackwood stood, me

ments, only Richard and his two sons remained in the vast conference room

ichard c

their father's position

chievement and his greatest uncertainty. Identica

voice lower now, more personal. "Stronger th

" Damien

But only if it passes to the right hands. One of you will lead this company into

xpression remained neutral, but his

sons. But capability isn't enough. I need to know which

n ourselves," Adr

you both simply done what was expected? There's

fly on the armrests of his c

een rehearsing for weeks-the one about legacy and proving onesel

ords woul

er this time. The room suddenly

ian's voice s

sure in his chest was building, crushing, like a vice c

s on his feet, m

te. Something was wrong. Seriously wrong. The pressure wasn't easi

Damien shout

phone out, fingers fl

t his legs wouldn't cooperate. The room tilted. His perfectly constructed w

porting him, lowering him back into th

ps. Through the haze of pain and fear, one

ot today, maybe not t

hadn't

both concerned, both waiting for him to be

y successful life, Richard Bl

t peaked, and the room w

ien's voice command

ught before the darkness too

ded. I haven't

re was nothi