Vincent genuinely felt cold sweat crawl down his back at the threat.
Because Clyde meant it.
Still, he forced himself to hold steady.
"Sir, I would never betray you," Vincent said hoarsely. "Not when it concerns your safety."
Clyde's expression flickered slightly before he finally shoved Vincent away.
"What does that mean?" he demanded.
Vincent lowered his gaze, pretending to gather his thoughts while quickly crafting the safest lie possible.
"I know how deeply you care about Mr. Ryley," he said quietly. "And I know how devastated you would be if he discovered you've been sustaining your body with concoctions made from other Enigmas' blood essence after using the Supreme Power."
His voice softened further as he looked back up.
"If something like that were to happen… the realms would lose their peace."
Vincent deliberately let concern seep into his face, masking the calculation hidden beneath it.
