The morning light poured in gently through the open windows of alpha Theo's study, but Alpha Theo's mind was far from calm.
The events of the previous day still echoed in his head, Mona stepping down, Derrick's dramatic entrance, and the silent war of stares that followed.
Nothing about the situation sat well with him. It felt too easy… too planned.
He sat behind his desk, elbows resting on the polished wood, fingers steepled beneath his chin.
His eyes were fixed on the flames flickering in the small hearth, but his mind was on something else entirely.
*Derrick didn't return just to reclaim a seat... He's aiming higher. This is more than a comeback, it's a takeover.* Theo thought.
Kimberly entered the room quietly, a thick brown leather-bound book in her hand.
She looked tired but strong. Theo glanced up and offered her a faint smile.
"I didn't sleep much," he said. "Too many pieces on the board, and I can't see the whole picture yet."
