Two shadowy figures materialized behind Henley, aiding him to his feet. They observed Raegan's departure, one inquiring, "Sir, shall we intervene?"

"No need." As the shock's sting ebbed, Henley straightened, his gaze fixating on the resplendent dome of the Dixon Group overhead.

Within Henley's obsidian eyes glimmered a chilling resolve. He grasped that there were matters of greater importance at hand. Once he secured everything he assumed rightful to him, he'd assess Mitchel's prowess, measuring their aptitudes against each other.

As for Raegan, with sufficient investment, Henley was sure he could claim her allegiance in due course.

Henley understood all too well that one bereft of possessions not only invited disdain but felt powerless. Thus, he wouldn't squander this pivotal moment.

"Is everything in order?" Henley queried.

The black-clad guard responded, "The wedding's personnel list is finalized, ensuring every key shareholder receives an invitation."

Mitchel's wedding with Katie seemed ostentatious this time, with fewer shareholders invited to the evening banquet.

But Henley couldn't abide such a slight. A momentous announcement loomed, demanding all Dixon Group shareholders’ attendance.

"Sir, one more thing."

Henley's brow furrowed. "Speak."

"Miss Foster has booked a flight to Swynborough, departing the day after tomorrow."

"Abroad?" Henley's frown deepened. "Mitchel's wedding is in six days. It appears Raegan has no intent of attending."

Yet, how could he let such an affair proceed without her?

"Find a way to compel her return by then," Henley commanded. He wanted his triumph witnessed by Raegan, the woman he loved, and by extension, for her to witness Mitchel, the thief who'd usurped his life.

"Understood." The black-clad figure nodded and departed.

Henley's gaze lingered one final time on the brilliantly illuminated dome. Soon, he'd ascend there, supplanting another's existence. He craved the submission of all who'd looked down on him, their penance at his feet.

The eve of Mitchel's wedding with Katie arrived swiftly.

Within the skyscraper, Mitchel held a wine glass in his hand, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his eyes gazing into the distance, lost in thought.

Matteo's knock reverberated, punctuating the silence. Entering, he espied Mitchel with the glass, unable to resist a word of caution.