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"You're not a prisoner."

"You emptied my files, put guards around my home, assigned surveillance to my mother and made every one of those decisions without speaking to me."

"Because speaking to you turns basic security into a fucking parliamentary debate."

"Because it's my life!"

Her voice cracks through the room. I go still.

Elena rarely raises her voice. She weaponizes precision instead. Hearing her shout tells me exactly how far I've pushed her.

I don't back down.

"Your life is currently being targeted by people who murdered Petros, killed Kalliopi, and tried to run you over in broad daylight. Forgive me if I'm unwilling to submit your security arrangements for committee approval."

"Protection without choice is still control."

"Choice means very little when someone is trying to put a bullet through your skull."

"It means everything when it's my skull!"

I step around the desk.

"Do you think they care whether you consent when they come for you? Do you think Petros had a vote? Kalliopi? My son?"

Her face changes at the last two words.

I keep going because stopping now would mean examining why I'm this angry.

"These people knew Petros was compromised before anyone else. They have access inside Crown businesses. They have hundreds of millions at their disposal, possibly more, and we don't know who they are. You want me to wait until they put a gun to your head before I decide your mother needs protection?"

"I want you to talk to me."

"Talking wastes time."

"Then make time."

"Not when your life is the price."

"Listen to yourself."

"I am."

"No, you're listening to fear and calling it strategy."

That lands. I feel it with enough force that my entire body stills. Elena sees it. Of course she does. She sees everything.

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know exactly what I'm talking about."

"No, you don't."

"You're turning your fear into rules, Adrianos."

My voice drops. "Enough."

"No."