Chapitre 42: The Usurper

(One day ago)

The sun dips below the horizon, casting deep shadows across the desk where Malik sits, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pores over the various reports scattered across his desk.

The muted tick of the grandfather clock serves as the only background noise, until the ringing of the telephone suddenly shatters the tranquil silence.

Malik's frown deepens as he reluctantly sets down his pen and reaches for the receiver. "Hello?" he answers, his deep baritone voice tinged with impatience.

On the other end of the line, Malik hears the nervous voice of one of his subordinates.

"Sir, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I have some troubling news." The man pauses, as if hesitant to continue.

Malik leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the polished oak desk. "Go on," he says, his tone clipped.