Page 88 of Godless Saints

Vivienne glanced down at her phone. “And once people think the race was manipulated, they’ll reopen the Seat for a new vote.”

I dragged a hand through my hair.

Sawyer leaned forward. “I can ask Professor Korolev.”

I stopped. “For what? Moral absolution?”

Sawyer shrugged. For one dangerous second, I actually considered it.

“No.” I shook my head.

Sawyer’s grin returned. “That wasn’t an immediate no.”

“It has become one.”

My phone rang. Father. I answered.

“Tell me the photographs are false.”

Silence stretched.

“Hyun-seo… Why are there photographs of you and Cillian Ashbourne inside Aster Court? First his capital contaminates our holdings. Now the man himself contaminates you publicly, in our territory. Do you have any idea the damage you have done?”

I couldn’t force a sound out.

“I do not care who you associate with privately,” he continued, growing louder. “But I will not tolerate this kind of public spectacle.”

His tone sharpened.

“Deny the intimacy. Frame him as a trespasser. File the complaint as assault if necessary. Distance yourself from him publicly. Immediately. Do not be seen with him. Do not speak to him. Am I clear?”

My jaw tightened.

“I will not call it assault.”

“Then call it an inexcusable error in judgment,” he said coldly. “Clean this up, son. Or I will clean it for you. And you will not like my methods.”

“I have Vivienne,” I said quietly.

Vivienne leaned in. “Hello, Nathaniel. I hope you’re holding up well, all things considered.”

“I apologize. My son has clearly misplaced his judgment.”

I rolled my eyes and turned away. “I… I think I—”

He cut me off. “I never expected you to fall for these pathetic academy games. I have handled the stakeholders for now, assuring them this is nothing more than childish nonsense, but do not test me further, Hyun-seo.”

“Yes, Father. It’s just school games.” My throat felt tight. “Is it really that bad if Cillian is seen with me?”

He scoffed. The line went dead silent. My pulse hammered. Sawyer waved frantically, shoving his phone in my face:

Hang up the fucking phone before you say something stupid.

“What are you trying to tell me, Hyun-seo? Hello? Are you still there?”

“Eh—yes. Nothing. Cillian is my rival. Thorn Court has been pushing their games lately, but we are handling it. Vivi is managing the optics.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear. Say hello to Zara from me. I met with her father the other day. You should associate with her more. She would be a lovely match for you. Protect her from men like Ashbourne. I will not have her dragged into these games. Understood?”