The television screen flickered to life.
Kendrick had turned on the news without saying another word after Marcus's call ended.
The remote rested loosely in his hand.
His expression remained calm.
But the tension in his shoulders told a different story.
Damian stood beside the couch, arms folded tightly across his chest as he tried to steady his breathing.
The heat inside him pulsed steadily.
Hot.
Relentless.
Unforgiving.
But the situation unfolding on the screen made it impossible to focus on anything else.
The headline at the bottom of the broadcast glowed in bright red letters.
BREAKING: Victor Hale Announces Emergency Press Conference
The camera cut to the front entrance of Hale Industries headquarters.
Dozens of reporters had already gathered outside.
Camera crews.
Satellite vans.
Security teams forming tight lines around the building.
Microphones raised like weapons waiting for the next strike.
Damian ran a hand through his hair.
"He moves fast."
