In his line of work, intimidation could be a liability. No negotiation would succeed if the other party felt crushed before it even began.
For Daemon and Gage, however, that same presence worked in their favor. As a lawyer, Daemon could use it to pressure opposing counsel, while Gage, as a soldier, embodied it without needing to hide it. Archivalt, on the other hand, existed largely outside of such interactions; his world didn't demand that kind of adjustment, and he had never cared enough to try.
But none of that mattered now.
Because the truth was right there, in Apollo's hands.
As Apollo began opening the envelope, Ace instinctively stepped back, positioning himself just behind Aunt Lavinia. The five brothers, all towering well over six feet, could have easily crowded the space, but someone had to yield, and without a word, they did.
It was an unspoken agreement, a quiet gesture of respect as they let her stand at the center, giving her the clearest view.
