The meeting continued, and Raphael continued to lay his trap with a calm demeanour.
Ronan leaned back slightly in his seat, watching the board absorb everything. Raphael had always been sharp and capable, but this was something else entirely. There was a ruthlessness to him now that had not been there before.
Or perhaps it had always been there, waiting.
Raphael continued outlining the plan, his voice steady as he moved through each step. He did not reveal everything, not yet. Some parts were deliberately held back, reserved for later, for when he knew exactly where the next strike would land.
Across the table, the board members listened, some nodding, others still processing, but none interrupting. Whatever doubts they had were overshadowed by the clarity of his direction. His gaze studied them, trying to find any hint.
This was war, and Raphael had already taken the first shot.
What none of them said out loud, but all of them understood, was that Lucien would not stay silent.
