He’s not surprised I threatened them.
He expected it.
Like this version of me is familiar to Sentinel somehow.
Like they’ve seen it before.
Clay notices my reaction instantly.
His hand slides carefully against my lower back.
Grounding.
Always grounding.
The operative smiles faintly.
“Director Wu said your protective instincts would fully emerge once emotional attachment formed.”
My stomach drops violently.
No.
No no no.
They studied us.
Predicted this.
Manipulated this.
The man’s voice softens almost sympathetically.
“You think Vincent chose you.”
A pause.
“But you were designed to bond to protect operational assets.”
Every word feels like poison.
Clay’s body turns absolutely still beside me.
Dangerously still.
Because the operative just crossed a very bad line.
He spoke for me.
About me.
Like I’m not standing here.
The man looks directly at Clay now.
“She’ll eventually choose Sentinel over you.”
A faint smile.
