Morning arrived slowly, filtered through a pale sky that stretched across the city like a quiet promise. From the tall windows of my apartment, New York looked calm, almost peaceful, though I knew the calm would not last long once the markets opened. I had woken earlier than usual. Sleep had come easily the night before, which surprised me. Pressure had a way of keeping people awake, replaying every decision in their minds. But the previous days had not left me restless. They had left me focused. I stood in the kitchen with a cup of coffee, watching the first streaks of sunlight move between the buildings. Somewhere far below, traffic had already begun to build. The sound drifted upward like a distant tide. Adrian stepped into the room a few minutes later. His hair was still slightly damp from the shower, and he looked more relaxed than he had in days. “You are up early,” he said. “I wanted a quiet start.” He poured himself coffee and leaned against the counter. “The
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