Russell stepped forward, protesting immediately. "Uncle, can you really trust Wolfgang for this? I was there during the incident, and I saw how shaken Maverick was. I think he was scared by the attacker."
Nicholas's smirk was faint but knowing. "Maverick wasn't scared of the attacker, Russell. He was afraid of losing someone important." His expression softened, his voice lowering. "Losing someone dear to you is one of the deepest fears anyone can have."
Russell nodded reluctantly, then straightened. "Then I'll go too. I'll make sure he's okay."
Wolfgang scoffed. "Me alone is enough. You don't need to come."
Russell bristled. "What did you say? Do you think I'm not capable?"
Wolfgang's tone was even as ever. "I didn't say anything."
Nicholas laughed at the exchange. "Don't either of you care about Julius?"
The two turned to him, waving their hands dismissively in perfect unison. "There's no way he'd die that easily."