Adrian didn’t react the way people expected him to.He didn’t issue a statement.Didn’t sit for interviews.Didn’t leak anonymous rebuttals to friendly outlets.He waited.Not out of fear but because timing, when chosen deliberately, becomes force.The morning after the third major partner cut ties with Ethan, Adrian stood alone in the conference room overlooking the river. The glass reflected a man calm enough to look dangerous hands folded loosely, shoulders relaxed, eyes steady.The room smelled faintly of coffee and rain.Behind him, the door opened.“They’re ready,” his counsel said quietly. “Once you do this, there’s no walking it back.”Adrian nodded. “I’m not interested