Chapter 55: System's Ultimatum

Lucien strode through the hallways of the privileged families' complex, his face a mask of calm that belied the storm of emotions raging within. Moments earlier, one of his subordinates had informed him of Elio's capture. The news had hit him like a punch to the gut, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now.

As he approached the boardroom doors, Lucien paused, taking a deep breath. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, but he steeled himself for the confrontation ahead. With a final exhale, he pushed the doors open and entered.

♢♢♢♢

The sound of the doors slamming against the walls echoed through the room, causing several of those present to jump. Lucien's gaze, intense as the sacred flame, swept across the faces of the elders and members of the privileged families. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to be cut with a knife.