10. The Edge of Power

                                    

                                          
Zayden's POV:
I pulled up to the Sinclair residence, my Lamborghini rolling to a stop in front of the imposing gates. The estate loomed ahead, a cold monument to exclusivity and power. The perfectly trimmed hedges and tall iron gates gave off a sense of unapproachable grandeur, while the sprawling mansion looked more like a fortress than a home.
A butler greeted me at the entrance, his expression neutral, as if unannounced visitors at this hour were just another part of the day. I followed him through the marble-floored foyer, my footsteps echoing in the silent, sterile space. The air inside was just as cold as the exterior. Every piece of furniture, every painting on the walls, screamed status yet lacked any real warmth.
The butler led me down a long hallway, finally stopping in front of a heavy wooden door. He knocked softly and opened it, revealing the Mayor's study.
As I stepped inside, the door shut behind me with a loud bang. There he was... Henry Sinclair, sitting behind his massive oak desk, looked every bit the part of the city's one of the most influential men.
Henry's eyes flickered with surprise when he saw me standing there. His expression tightened over so slightly and he stood up from his chair, clearly unprepared for my visit.
Despite running in the same circles, Mayor and I went above and beyond to avoid each other. Him, because he thought I was disgusting for having once fucked a married woman. Me, because I didn't care about his judgment on my character.
"Zayden," he said, his voice laced with barely concealed irritation. "What a pleasant surprise!"
I smirked, stepping further into the room and without waiting for an invitation, I lowered myself in a chair opposite him.
"Anyway... It was a pleasure to meet you after so long." He sat down plastering a forced smile on his face. "Can I offer you a drink?"
"I don't drink on the job, Henry," I firmly said, considering the fact that I was his son's killer and he could easily  poison me.
"Funny," he sneered at me. "You seem like a man who indulges quite often."
I flashed her a wolfish smirk. "And you seemed like a man who indulged quite often in the past and are now acting as a saint."
The Mayor's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing at my jab. Clearly, I'd struck a nerve.
"Excuse me," he snapped. "I suggest you choose your words carefully, Zayden. What are you even doing here anyway?"
"Let's cut to the chase, Henry. You know exactly why I'm here." I leaned back in the chair, deliberately slow, watching the tension rise in his shoulders.
The Mayor's hand gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles turning white. The false charm he had put on for this counter was beginning to crack.
I shrugged, keeping my gaze locked with his. "I want you to back the fuck up and tell your little detective to close the case. Any kind of nonsense accusations would be horrible for my businesses."
"Who the hell do you think you are coming into my home and telling me what to do?" He banged his fist against his desk. "It wouldn't be the first time you were involved in crimes. You just never get caught. But this time you dared to mess with my dear son."
Henry Sinclair was too egoistic and arrogant to be in our pockets which was why he had the audacity to talk to me the way he did. However, that would change very soon.
I grinned menacingly as I reached into my overcoat and pulled out a folder. Without a word, I tossed it into his desk. Henry's eyes flickered from me to the folder, suspicion cracking his features.