A shadow appeared beneath the door.
Someone was there.
The lock turned.
The door opened.
And Daniel walked inside.
Victor immediately became defensive.
“Who are you?”
Daniel closed the door behind him.
The same calm movement that would later become the moment everyone remembered.
“I’m the person who asked you to step away.”
Victor laughed.
“You think you can walk in here and tell me what to do?”
Daniel looked at Maya.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded.
Barely.
Daniel looked back at Victor.
“Move away from the door.”
Victor smiled.
“You don't know who I am.”
Daniel nodded.
“I do.”
Victor’s expression changed.
Because Daniel didn't sound impressed.
He sounded certain.
Victor stared at Daniel.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
The apartment felt completely different now.
A few minutes earlier, Victor had controlled everything.
The conversation.
The room.
The situation.
He was used to people backing down when he raised his voice.
He was used to his reputation doing the work for him.
But Daniel wasn't reacting the way people usually did.
He wasn't nervous.
He wasn't impressed.
He wasn't angry.
He was simply calm.
And that bothered Victor more than anything.
“Do you know who I am?”
Victor finally asked.
Daniel looked at him.
“Yes.”
Victor smiled.
“Then you should understand this isn't your business.”
Daniel glanced toward Maya.
“She asked you to let her leave.”