Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the office.

Shane Prescott stood before Victor Sullivan, watching impassively as the older man prepared tea with excessive courtesy.

"Try this Pu'er." Victor slid a teacup toward him. "Good for the stomach."

Shane didn't move.

"Get to the point."

Victor's smile froze. He turned to retrieve a document from his desk drawer.

"Your new identity." He extended the file. "Elite returnee from Silicon Valley."

Shane let out a cold laugh. "From tomb raider to Ivy League graduate?"

A vein pulsed in Victor's forehead.

"Ethan is ill." He said abruptly. "We need you to take over his responsibilities."

Shane's expression darkened instantly. "What illness?"

"Bipolar disorder." Victor sighed. "A lingering effect from his childhood abduction."

Shane shot to his feet, his chair screeching across the floor.

"The kidnappers?"

"Dead." Victor gripped his shoulder. "They died years ago."

Shane shook him off, murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

"I'm going after the Laurents."

Victor blocked his path. "No evidence! Do you want prison?"

Shane's knuckles cracked under the force of his clenched fists.

"So we just let it go?"

"Take the company first." Victor handed him a suit. "Revenge can wait."

Shane stared at the tailored jacket as if it were his sworn enemy.

When the dressing room door reopened, Victor's eyes lit up.

"Excellent. You look the part."

Shane loosened his tie. "Spare me."

The conference room fell silent.

Every gaze locked onto the unfamiliar face.

"This is Special Assistant Prescott." Victor announced. "He'll be temporarily assuming Ethan's duties."

Amidst polite applause, Shane strode directly to the seat beside Adrian Sullivan.

Adrian instinctively shrank back.

As the meeting adjourned and attendees dispersed, Shane slammed a palm on Adrian's armrest, trapping him.

"Special Assistant Prescott—" An aide began before being silenced by a glare.

The door lock clicked.

Shane seized Adrian by his collar and backhanded him across the face.

"Tell that old Laurent dog," his voice dripped ice, "I'll end him."

Adrian's cheek swelled instantly.

A glass shattered against the wall, spraying shards.

Frantic knocking erupted outside.

Shane released his grip and straightened his lapels.

"This is just the beginning." He strode out, leaving the threat hanging.

Adrian stormed into the CEO's office, clutching his burning cheek.

"Father! He assaulted me!"

Victor didn't look up. "Why provoke him?"

"I—"

"He's your brother." Victor finally met his gaze. "Be accommodating."

Adrian trembled with rage.

"Keep indulging him then!"

The door slammed violently.

Rubbing his temples, Victor picked up the intercom.

"Arrange combat training for Special Assistant Prescott." He paused. "Before he takes his anger out on everyone else."