Upstairs, the corridor felt quieter, the soft echo of footsteps carrying as Magnus and Vance walked side by side. There was a subtle shift in their pace now, lighter, more assured, as if the outcome below had settled something in their favor.
"That went better than we imagined, Sir," Vance said, unable to hide the satisfaction threading through his voice.
Magnus nodded once, exhaling slowly through his nose. "Estelle is heartbroken," he said, his tone even. "And that works perfectly for me."
He paused, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve with deliberate care. "More importantly," he continued, "she's angry. And anger is far more useful."
Vance glanced at him, listening closely.
"She'll see me as the only one on her side," Magnus went on. "And when she does, she'll do exactly what I need her to."
Vance nodded, though his expression shifted slightly, something more thoughtful creeping in. "There's still a problem," he said after a moment.
Magnus turned his head, his gaze sharpening.
