"What? That's impossible!" Victoria snapped. "Her spine can never be fixed. I made sure of it!"
Magnus smiled, his tone dropping lower. "That's what you get for hiring quacks," he said.
Vance's eyes flicked up at that. Magnus leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze distant, calculating.
"That is ridiculous. I saw it with my own two eyes. You need—"
"I suggest you save your speech and use this little head start wisely," Magnus cut in smoothly. "Build your defenses. Strengthen whatever it is you think will protect you." His lip curled faintly. "And spend less time parading that talentless duo of yours."
There was a brief pause. Then—
"Your daughter is ambitious and very useful," he added, almost conversational. "And we both know how easily that can be turned." His voice dropped just a fraction. "Especially when she's flying under the Whitehall banner. And you already know I don't lose."
"What are you—"
