Xavier rolled his eyes. "It's a dual-key system. Primary activation requires your biometrics." He paused, and somethingsharp entered his expression. "The second key is your ace of spades."
Algerone's hand moved to his breast pocket.
"I embedded a microchip in the card," Xavier continued. "Outside Spade Tower's coordinates, you need both your biometrics and the card for activation. Shaw stole an expensive paperweight."
"How did you access my cards?" Algerone demanded.
Xavier shrugged. "I only needed thirty seconds."
Algerone's fingers pressed against his pocket with his knuckles whitening. "That card has a bullet hole in it, Xavier. It's not a security prop."
"Which is exactly why I chose it." Xavier met his father's gaze without flinching. "If someone has both you and that card outside this building, they're either authorized or you're already dead." He leaned back in his chair. "It's the perfect failsafe."
The logic was flawless. I could appreciate the elegance even as I watched Algerone struggle with the violation. His most private talisman, the card that had saved his life, had been handled and modified without his knowledge.
"You should have told me," Algerone said quietly.
"You should have told me a lot of things over the years." Xavier's voice went flat. "Consider us even."
The silence stretched between them, weighted with years of absence. I remained still, aware that my presence represented part of what Xavier blamed his father for.
"Clever," Algerone finally conceded. "But we need to recover the prototype before Shaw reverse-engineers it."
"He won’t be able to do that easily. I built in self-destruct protocols. One wrong move cracking authentication, and core components fry themselves beyond recovery."
"Shaw doesn't know that," I interjected. "Which gives us an advantage."
Xavier studied my position behind Algerone's shoulder with uncomfortable intensity. "Something's different. You're standing closer than you used to. Before, you always kept exactly three feet between you, professional and proper." He tilted his head. "Now you're practically touching him."
I took a step backward.
Xavier's smile sharpened. "Still hovering, though. Just like you did while my mother fell apart. Standing right there at his shoulder while she destroyed herself."
The words struck bone. I held his gaze, refusing to look away because he was right.
"You’re right,” I said. “I decided she was an obstacle to be managed. I was wrong. I have to live with that every day."
“So do I,” Xavier spat.
"Focus," Algerone cut in, his voice lacking its usual authority. "Shaw poses an immediate threat. Personal history can wait."
The meeting continued with strategies discussed and security measures debated. Algerone addressed me only when necessary, his tone the flat professionalism he'd use with any subordinate. As if the marks beneath my collar didn't exist.
When Xavier finally departed, Algerone remained seated at the conference table, studying his tablet. I moved to stand beside him.
He didn't look up.
"The Singapore surveillance needs closer analysis. Have Archer prepare a detailed breakdown of personnel movements."
"Of course."
He glanced up finally, but his gaze passed through me rather than at me. "That will be all, Maxime."
I turned to leave.
"Maxime."
I stopped at the door, and something pathetic in my chest flared with hope.
