The hum of the city was different tonight. Usually, Charles Manson stood on his penthouse balcony, watching the skyline's lights flicker like stars against the urban sprawl, a testament to his growing empire. But tonight, the air felt heavy, charged with an unspoken menace. The distant hum of traffic carried an edge, as if the city itself were holding its breath, waiting for something to break. He didn't need the Wealth Domination System's notifications to confirm it—his gut told him trouble was already here.
His phone buzzed, the vibration cutting through the quiet like a blade.
> **[Incoming Call: Elena]**
Charles answered immediately, his voice tight. "Elena? What's wrong?"
Her reply came in a rush, her voice shaky but controlled. "I… I think someone's following me. I'm outside your office building. Charles, I'm scared."
He didn't hesitate. "Stay where you are. I'm coming down."
