New York had an invisible ceiling.
Money didn't break it.Power didn't break it.Influence only bent it—slightly.
Ace Charles was about to test whether it could shatter.
The Invitation
The envelope arrived without a return address.
Heavy paper.Embossed seal.
Ace didn't open it immediately.
Donna hovered nearby. "You know what that is."
Ace nodded. "Yes."
"The Lenox Consortium," Donna continued. "Political donors. Power brokers. Mayors, senators, governors."
Ace finally opened it.
A private dinner.Attendance expected.
Ace smiled faintly.
"They don't invite," he said. "They summon."
Fight #1,301Opponent: Political gatekeepingStatus: Approaching
The Old Guard
The dinner was held in a townhouse older than most laws Ace practiced under.
Mahogany walls.Crystal glasses.People who'd never been told no.
Ace entered alone.
The room quieted—not in awe, but assessment.
A senator spoke first. "Mr. Charles. You're… younger than expected."
Ace replied evenly, "You're older than effective."
Silence followed.
Then laughter—nervous, forced.
Fight #1,318Opponent: Social intimidationStatus: Ignored
The Pressure Begins
They didn't attack him directly.
They circled.
Zoning issues.Regulatory delays.Judicial appointments.
"You've had quite a run," said Councilman Rhodes. "But firms don't survive without cooperation."
Ace sipped his drink.
"Neither do politicians," he said calmly.
The table stiffened.
Fight #1,334Opponent: Soft coercionStatus: Rejected
Ace Draws the Line
A governor leaned forward. "You're playing above your weight."
Ace met his gaze.
"No," Ace said. "I'm playing at your altitude."
He set his glass down.
"And I don't bluff."
Fight #1,349Opponent: Political hierarchyStatus: Challenged
The Unspoken Threat
As the dinner ended, a woman whispered as Ace passed.
"You should remember who makes the rules."
Ace stopped.
Turned.
"I already know," he said. "That's why I'm here."
End of Chapter 24