SHADOW PLAY (SYLUS)

24

“Tell Mr. Grane to come see me,” Sylus commanded as he ended the call, eyes fixed on the paperwork in his hands.

Moments later, a firm knock echoed.

“Come in,” he ordered, not looking up.

The door opened, and Mr. Grane entered, a man in his forties with a steady presence.

“You asked to see me, Sir?” he said, voice respectful, though there was a hint of nervousness as he met Sylus’s intense gaze.

“Yes,” Sylus replied, holding up the papers with a cool, assessing look.

“This plan—scrap it. I need a complete overhaul. This isn’t going to cut it,” he said, his tone sharp and leaving no room for error. “Have it back to me by tomorrow. Understood?”

Mr. Grane gave a nod, swallowing slightly as he reached out to take the papers.

“Understood, Sir. I’ll get on it immediately,” he responded, a sense of urgency in his eyes as he bowed slightly.

Sylus returned a curt nod, watching as Mr. Grane left the office in silence.

As the door clicked shut behind Mr. Grane, Sylus let out a sigh, pressing his fingers to his temples to ease the tension building there.

A soft knock followed, and Laura entered with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, setting it on his desk with practiced ease.

Sylus took the cup, savoring that she’d brought it exactly as he liked—Laura always knew the right timing.

Taking a long sip, he felt the tension ease a bit.

“Sir, the Planning Department’s presentation for tomorrow… they’re requesting your presence,” she said in her usual calm voice.

He raised an eyebrow. “Why?” His voice was low and edged with impatience. “Isn’t that something the section chief can handle?”

Laura met his gaze with a knowing look. “It’s been a while since you’ve attended one yourself, Sir. They’re hoping it might give them a bit of… motivation,” she added gently, watching him for a response.

Sylus paused, his fingers drumming on the mug as he considered. He knew his absence had been felt, and the slip in their recent proposals had made that clear. Finally, he gave a small nod. “Fine. I’ll be there,” he said, his voice resolute.

Laura gave a nod, a satisfied gleam in her eye. “I’ll let them know to expect you, Sir.” With a final glance, she turned to leave, leaving Sylus to the momentary calm of his coffee.

......

Sylus sank into the backseat, finally able to relax as the car pulled into the city’s nighttime glow, streetlights flickering against the dark.

He leaned back, one leg crossed over the other, gazing out the window when a familiar figure suddenly caught his eye.

His brows furrowed, and without a second thought, he commanded. "Paul, pull over."

The car had barely stopped before he stepped out, his gaze zeroing in on Regina—unconscious, slumped between two friends who were struggling to keep her steady.

He didn’t miss the bar sign above them, and it didn’t take much to realize she was thoroughly drunk. Striding over, his expression intense, he didn’t even give them time to react.

“Hand her over to me,” he commanded, extending his hand with an unmistakable authority.

His tone left no room for debate, his piercing eyes fixed on them as he waited, every inch of him radiating a firm and silent demand that they obey.