control
The proof that I'd made it, that my system worked, that control was achievable.
I felt nothing.
"I appreciate that, Marcus," I said carefully. "But I'm going to decline."
He blinked. "You haven't even heard the numbers."
"Doesn't matter." I leaned back in the chair—the same chair where Eli had sat, challenging me, changing me. "I'm done."
"Done with what?"
"With this. The ladder. The next rung. The idea that there's always another level to reach." I paused. "I'm leaving the agency, Marcus. I've already talked to Eli. We're starting something new."