He nodded. “I wish it had come seven years earlier.”

“So do I.”

Chapter 8 — The Conclave

The Conclave met inside an unmarked historical building near Bryant Park. No photographers waited outside. No reporters knew that, behind those walls, private networks were deciding the fate of billions of dollars, diplomatic agreements, and protection systems spanning several continents.

Lena arrived in a single black sedan. Adrian sat beside her. It was the first time they had shared a car since the divorce.

“Would you rather go in separately?” he asked.

“No.” The answer surprised him. She looked through the window at the building. “Diana designed this operation to separate us. I won’t help her preserve that illusion.”