#Chapter 43: The Way Home

The summit ends in controlled chaos. Shuttles idle outside, escort drones buzzing. Alphas trade forced pleasantries and stiff smiles that don’t reach their eyes. Cameras flash. I keep my head down, badge visible. Every time I hear a shutter click, my shoulders tense. I feel their eyes, their whispers. I’m aware of every step Richard takes behind me. The way his voice hardens when he gives orders. The way he avoids looking at me. Nothing had blown up. Not loudly. But people knew I had gone into his room, and the team had decided not to make a statement. Not add any fuel to the rumors. Nathan hovers nearby, arms crossed, watching me like he's assessing a patient about to break. “You got the last report?” he asks, voice too level. I shove it at him. “All there.” He flips it open, eyes scanning quickly. Simon approaches. “You know they're talking.” I scowl. “They've been talking for weeks.” His mouth tightens. “They're going to talk more now. Especially about...this.” I