I do not answer.
But my silence is answer enough.
Kael exhales slowly. "Then we have three options."
He pulls up a new display.
Three tactical scenarios, laid out in clinical detail.
"Option one," he says. "Sever all ties with Tamsin Beck publicly. Issue a formal statement through Obsidian Aegis corporate communications indicating that the financial transfers were part of a standard employee retention program and that her contract has been terminated. Make it clear she has no ongoing relationship with you or this organization."
"No."
"Option two. Bring her into the corporate structure officially. Hire her as a private wellness consultant with a full security detail. Assign her a dedicated protection team. Make it clear to Sentinel Dynamics that any attempt to leverage her will be met with immediate and overwhelming retaliation."
I consider this.
It has merit.
But it also exposes her to a level of scrutiny and danger she did not choose.
"Option three," Kael says. "Monitor the situation silently. Track all collection agencies, financial institutions, and corporate entities that attempt to contact her. Intercept any blackmail offers before they reach her. Dismantle any threats before they materialize. Keep her in the dark about the danger entirely."
"That is deception," I say.
"That is protection," Kael counters.
I stare at the holographic display.
At the three options.
At the photograph of Tamsin standing outside her apartment building, completely unaware that she has become a target.
"Implement option three," I say. "Monitor all collection agencies and financial institutions that attempt to contact her. Intercept any blackmail offers. If Sentinel Dynamics makes direct contact, I want to know immediately."
"And if they threaten her?"
My amber veins flare again.
Brighter this time.
Hotter.
"Then we dismantle them," I say. "Completely."
Kael nods once.
"Understood."
He stands, gathering his tablet and coffee cup.
"For what it is worth," he says quietly, "I think you made the right choice. Paying off her debts. Protecting her. She is lucky to have you."
"I am the one who made her a target," I say.
"You are the one who ensured she would never be vulnerable again," Kael corrects. "There is a difference."
He leaves.
