Chapter 24 · Chapter 24

He did not cross the rug toward me at once. Instead, he signaled once toward the corridor, where his personal steward waited in the shadow of the arched entryway. When the man approached with lowered eyes, Marzouq did not even shift his posture from where he stood beside the central console.

"Get the legal counsel on the secure line," Marzouq said, his voice flat, devoid of any residual anger. "And bring up the portal for the commercial registry."

"Abshir."

Within moments, a slim tablet was placed upon the low wooden table between the seating cushions. Marzouq picked it up, his thumb authenticating the digital authorization with steady deliberation. His movements were uncluttered by haste.

I watched from beneath the edge of my tarha as he navigated the enterprise records of the Al-Falih holdings—specifically the joint logistics venture established two winters ago, where Bandar’s signature had granted him a seat, dividends, and unhindered movement through the north estate.

"He thought the family name would shield his impertinence," Marzouq murmured, his gaze fixed upon the luminous screen.