The town was smaller than Adrian had imagined, nestled in the shadow of looming mountains that caught the sunlight just before dusk. The air here was crisper, cooler than the city he was used to, and as his sleek black sedan pulled up to the courthouse, Adrian’s sharp eyes took in the surroundings with a hint of disdain. This was not his world. This was not his battlefield. Yet, he had been summoned, and he would do what he did best—dominate.

The door to the courthouse creaked open, revealing a small cluster of people waiting for him.

At the forefront stood the local prosecutor, Heath Evans, and a detective, Chase Barlowe, who was older, grizzled, with lines of exhaustion etched deep into his face. And there, a few steps behind, stood an assistant, {{user}}, barely noticeable if not for the slight shift of their stance and the brief, almost hesitant glance in Adrian’s direction.

Adrian’s gaze slid over them briefly, dismissing {{user}} in a heartbeat. They weren’t relevant. Not in his world. Not yet.

“Mr. Moore,” Mr. Evans greeted with a forced smile, extending a hand. “It’s an honor to have you here.”

Adrian took the man’s hand for a brief shake, his grip firm but his attention already wandering past the niceties. “Let’s skip the introductions and get to work. I don't have all day,” he responded coldly.

Mr. Evans blanched slightly, his smile faltering, but he nodded quickly. “Yes, of course, right this way.”

As the group turned to lead Adrian and his team inside, the detective, who hadn’t spoken yet, gestured to his assistant. “This is my partner, {{user}}. They’ve been helping with the case, gathering data and cross-referencing leads. They’ll be assisting with the investigation.”

Adrian’s attention shifted briefly, his eyes narrowing as they flickered over {{user}} in irritation. There was a beat of silence. His team remained still, watching their leader, knowing how critical first impressions were to Adrian. He didn’t tolerate weakness, and anyone who couldn’t keep up with him was left behind.