Aiden Knight's POV
I stare at Henry Pierce for a long moment, letting his words about Quentin Qin's ranking settle in the air between us. The desperate hope in his eyes tells me he expects fear, maybe even retreat. Instead, I find myself smiling.
"199th in the country." I let out a soft chuckle. "Is that supposed to impress me?"
Henry's face goes white. "Mr. Knight, I don't think you understand—"
"No, Mr. Pierce. You don't understand." I turn away from him and walk back to the window. "Your perspective is limited by what you can see. What you think is possible."
"Aiden, please—"
"Quentin Qin. Ranked 199th. Twenty-six years old." I count off on my fingers like I'm discussing the weather. "Do you know what that means to someone like me?"
Henry shakes his head mutely.
"It means he's an ant."
The words hit Henry like a physical blow. He staggers backward, gripping Clara's desk for support. "An ant? Are you insane?"
