The office was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the city below in a lattice of lights and shadows. At the far end, the black desk gleamed, and behind it sat Gramps. His eyes burned with fury, locked on Rachel with a weight that made her chest tighten.
"You," he hissed, voice low and venomous. "You dare stand here in her likeness?"
Rachel froze for a split second. Could he really think she was an imposter? Ethan's hand twitched on his spear. Vivian's grin vanished. Aria's hands clenched at her
"I am Rachel," she said, voice sharp, hand on her hip. "Your granddaughter. Still me. Still alive. Still kicking. Do you recognize me, Gramps?"
The Director slammed a hand on the desk. "Do you mock me?" His gaze blazed. "Do you think I would not know the difference between my blood and a facsimile?"
Rachel's chest tightened. The air felt thick, like it might crush her. She didn't flinch. "Seriously? You really gonna pretend I'm a fraud in my own body? Cute. Real cute."
