Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 92

Clipper Ninety two the burr

Chapter Ninety–Two: The Game Has Just Begun.

Dreston sat in his executive chair, his posture relaxed but guarded, his back pressed firmly against the leather as his arms folded across his chest. His gaze never wavered from the man seated opposite him.

Jeffrey Sandler.

A name that carried weight, Influence, and danger in the tech world.

Jeff was not just another CEO or tech mogul. He was a strategist who played dirty when necessary, a man whose success was built on acquisition, coercion, and patience. He didn’t knock twice when he wanted something. He simply found a way to take it.

Dreston knew him well enough to understand one thing, Jeffrey Sandler didn’t travel unnecessarily just to see him. He must have a mission. A mission Dreston understood well.

So the fact that he had come all the way from Lisbourn to Southvale, personally, meant one thing.

He had come for Cassienne.

Dreston had always known this day would come. He had hoped to delay it, to bury her existence in silence and misdirection, but Jeff’s presence confirmed his worst fear.

Someone had noticed.

The two men studied each other in silence, each calculating, each weighing the other’s next move.

Jeff knew Dreston held the key to what he wanted. There was no other route, no shortcut. And for that reason alone, he had swallowed his pride and stepped into this office.

“I didn’t know I was important enough to deserve a personal visit,” Dreston finally said, his voice calm but cold.” Whatever brought you here must be significant.”

Jeff chuckled, the sound smooth and unbothered as he leaned back slightly in his seat.

“I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice,” he began. “I know how busy you must be, especially with the summit approaching.”

Dreston’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Get to the point.”

Jeff smiled. He expected nothing less.

“I need your help,” he said. “With something… rare.”

Dreston lifted a brow. “And that would be?”

“NULLWRAITH.”

The name dropped into the room like something precious. Well, it is.

Jeff continued smoothly, watching Dreston’s reaction carefully. “The player was spotted in your estate last night. All I need from you is an introduction–to whoever that person is.”

Dreston didn’t flinch. He had prepared for this.

“I can’t do that,” he simply said,

Chapter Ninety–Two: The dome Hot Just Brun

25 Bonus

Jeff tilted his head, studying him. “Why not? Your company isn’t involved in gaming, so business competition isn’t the issue.‘

“}

“You’re right,” Dreston replied. “But NULLWRAITH is my friend. He plays for fun. And he made me promise not to reveal his identity.”

Jeff laughed softly. “Perhaps when he hears what I’m offering-

“It seems you don’t understand,” Dreston cut in, his voice firm now. “He isn’t someone you can buy with money.”

He leaned forward slightly. “Imagine someone trying to buy me.”

That sentence landed harder than intended.and it carried a lot of weight.

Jeffrey Sandler froze for a fraction of a second.

Then everything clicked.

His mind raced, piecing together what he believed were obvious signs, the estate, the cousin who was a pro player, the secrecy, the confidence. The way Dreston spoke, not as a protector, but as an equal.

Of course.

It made perfect sense now.

Why the identity was hidden so fiercely. Now he understood why the player never appeared at LAN events. Why the style was so precise, so controlled. Dreston is NULLWRAITH.

How foolish of him to think he can buy him?

Jeff smiled slowly. “I see,” he said quietly.

Dreston misread the expression as acceptance.

Jeff stood, smoothing his suit jacket. “Then I won’t waste your time, Mr. Tremont. Thank you for your honesty.”

He extended his hand, and Dreston shook it. “I appreciate your understanding. Safe flight back. I suppose we’ll see each other at the summit.”

“Indeed,” Jeff replied. “Until then.”

Jeffery left Dreston’s office immediately, the door closed behind him.

Dreston exhaled.

He believed he had successfully diverted the threat but he was wrong.

Jeffrey Sandler walked briskly toward the elevator, his thoughts buzzing with satisfaction. He hadn’t gotten what he came for–but he had gotten confirmation.

NULLWRAITH is Dreston Tremont.

Or at least, that’s what he believed.

He was already planning his next move when someone collided into him.

“Ouch-”

Cheat Naway late line truffen

“Watch it,” Jeff snapped instinctively.

The woman stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but his reflexes kicked in. His hand caught her waist, steadying her before she fell.

She pulled away immediately, smoothing her dress with embarrassed grace.

“Thank you,” she said. “And I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching.”

Jeff waved it off. “My fault too.”

Their eyes met, and something shifted.

He smiled. “Jeffrey Sandler. Pleasure to meet you.”

Cassienne hesitated only briefly before taking his hand. “Cassienne.”

She smiled politely. “Thank you again, but I really

to go.”

She turned left, heading toward the development department. But Jeff stood still for a moment, watching her walk

away.

That was unusual.

He wasn’t the kind of man who noticed women like this. He loved his wife. He was disciplined and focused. But yet, something about her presence lingered.

He frowned slightly, then turned and followed her.

He didn’t do it openly, and definitely not obviously. He only followed her just enough to observe.

Cassienne entered the development floor, unaware that she was being watched. Her mind was on the expo, on deadlines, on the quiet chaos building around her life.

Jeff paused at the corner, watching her greet staff with calm, confident, and respected grace.

Interesting.

She wasn’t just another executive assistant or background employee. There was authority in her posture. Intelligence in the way she moved.

And suddenly, a dangerous thought crossed his mind.

What if I’m wrong?

What if NULLWRAITH wasn’t Dreston? What if Dreston was protecting someone else?

Jeff’s lips curved slowly. If that were true, then the game had just become far more interesting and more challenging. Jeffery instincts never failed him.

He had been in this business for far too long to lose.

And just then, Cassienne disappeared into the corridor. Jeff stopped, his decision made.

He would find out one way or another. The game has just begun.

admin