The word Prime Omega hung in the air like a dropped blade.
For a long moment, no one moved.
Damian felt the blood drain from his face.
Victor Hale's smile widened slightly.
He had said it deliberately.
Casually.
Like he was commenting on the weather.
But the effect was immediate.
The room tightened with tension.
Kendrick's posture shifted subtly in front of Damian.
Protective.
Instinctive.
Dangerous.
Victor noticed that too.
"Relax, Kendrick," Victor said lightly.
"If I wanted to expose him publicly, I would not be standing in your office."
Kendrick's voice was colder than steel.
"Then why are you here?"
Victor tilted his head slightly.
"To confirm something."
His eyes moved past Kendrick again.
Straight to Damian.
Sharp.
Curious.
Predatory.
"May I?"
Kendrick did not move aside.
Victor laughed softly.
"You are making this more obvious than it needs to be."
Behind Kendrick, Damian forced himself to breathe slowly.
