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There’s a little life in his eyes now – fire at my words.

“Oh, I know Aurelians. I know the Bond. My little girl can’t grow up to be the leader of my business when you’re not yet done with her. The Bond clouds her mind – and the only thing you find her good for is… is…”

He trails off, unable to say the words.

Breeding chattel.

A fucktoy.

A pleasure slave.

I know the words rattling around inside his tired, wounded mind.

Mr. Carani slowly shakes his head. Then, his eyes focus, honing in on Natali.

“You have no idea what the future could have held, my sweet. You could have been great. You could have been so much more than what you will be now.”

Natali’s eyes are wet. She looks at me, her heart broken. I realize that if I can’t make this right, there’s going to be a wound between us forever.

Was I wrong to schedule this meeting? Will this sour our future?

I push on.

“She’ll still be more than you ever imagined. This is not the end, Mr. Carani. You had ambitions for your family to grow and become a superpower in this universe. Now, that’s not just possible – it’s inevitable.”

The old man sits up.

“It’s a certainty,” I tell him. “Just think of your grandsons.”

Carani turns his head away, staring at the wall. Then, he snaps his gaze back towards me so fast that I think it might hurt his neck to stare at me.

“What is this? Some ploy to take control of my Orb-Deposits? To take the last thing I have of value from me?”

I shake my head.

“No –never. Guide your daughter, instead. Teachherto lead your business empire. We’ll always stand behind her. We’ll always provide protection for the Orb-Mines. We’ll guard your investment with our lives – for the sake of our Empire, and your daughter.”

Carani licks his lips. Then, he turns to his daughter, addressing Natali directly.

“Don’t you understand? The Bond is going to corrupt your mind. It’s going to turn you into something you don’t even know yet.” He sniffs bitterly. “Gods,please, Natali – don’t take that ring off.Please.”

She looks at him with big, sad eyes. Then, she proudly juts her chin up.

“The Bond doesnotcorrupt, Father – it only enhances what is already there. If you thought I was capable of leading the family business a week ago, after you’d trained me, then know that I’m nowtwiceas capable. It’syouwho doesn’t understand, father. My mind is sharper than ever.”

She pauses.

“Name a company.”

Mr. Carani blinks. “What game is this?”

“Just do it.”

“Aldron Robotics,” he spits – the name of a famous conglomerate from the Human Alliance.

Natali concentrates for just a second.

“Revenue 1.3 billion, but that includes 400 million in intangible assets that are overvalued based on the judicial decision passed thirteen days ago. 6,435 employees.”