***

  The morning light filtered in through the grand windows of Jimmy’s lush penthouse, casting long shadows across the polished floors. He woke up with a lingering sense of unease, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind. The warning from his double agent at the secret agency echoed in his thoughts—someone knew about the drone surveillance, the killing by Sable. His mind worked in overdrive, piecing together the fragments of information that had brought him here.

  The scent of freshly brewed green tea filled the air as Jimmy swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His thoughts turned to the task at hand: the plan. The empire he’d built was on the precipice of something much larger, but there were steps that needed to be taken. The Japanese and Chinese gangs would be his next conquest, but first, he needed to act quickly. Sable had made her move, and now it was time to move the chess pieces in his favor.

  Jimmy made a mental list as he moved toward the window, the city stretching out before him. His nephew, Ravi, and by extension, his friend Eli, were now entwined in this mess. Protecting them was paramount. They were both pieces in his larger game, and their safety would ensure the plan stayed on track. Jimmy's mind sharpened as he considered his options. He would need to shield them, keep them out of sight, at least for a while. He'd use his resources, his network, to ensure no harm came to them.

  The next order of business was to make his contact in the media aware. He had already made the call, quietly, discretely. The newspapers, the tabloids, the social media platforms—they would all know within the next 24 hours who had taken down Daichi Nakamura. It would be the first stage in spreading the word, keeping up his end of the bargain with Gateman003, or Sable, as she was known. She had taken her revenge, and now he needed to make her do his bidding. A direct confrontation with her was out of the question—she was far too powerful for that. But a soft approach, a carefully crafted one, would bring her under his influence.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Jimmy moved to his desk, opening a drawer and pulling out his small leather-bound diary. His most important asset. He had taken care to make sure this book, with its precise notes, hidden strategies, and plans, was kept secure. As he looked over his list, his fingers brushed over the pages as if feeling the weight of the empire he was about to control. This was more than just paper and ink—it was his blueprint.

  He took a deep breath, then transferred the plan into the diary, each step laid out clearly and concisely. With a deliberate hand, he closed the book and placed it into a hidden compartment inside the desk. The safe within the compartment clicked shut, its secure lock adding another layer of protection to his empire.

  After a moment’s pause, Jimmy reached for the small, gold key around his neck, the one that could unlock the secrets of the diary. He slid the key under his shirt, keeping it close to his body. This was his most guarded possession, the symbol of everything he controlled. No one could know about the lock behind the painting, the hidden place where his diary’s safe resided. It was a part of him—secret, secure, untouchable.

  With the key hidden against his skin and his plans secure, Jimmy turned his attention to the task at hand. He had no time to waste. The world outside was waiting, and he was ready. With a final glance at the painting, the silent safeguard of his secrets, he left the penthouse. His empire was waiting

  ***