"Hold your horses, old man," Curse Master Matthews interrupted, cutting through the murmurs of agreement rippling among the gathered curse masters as their faces were hardened with resolve to eliminate Sonia Everhart and continue interrogating her father. Despite their seniority, Matthews, as the acting EAD and head of the local C.I.B branch, maintained her authority.
The old curse master from earlier, sneered openly. "Matthews, Bishop has already relieved you as acting EAD of our branch. Know your place. Don't make me repeat myself." His tone carried a smugness, as though he'd been waiting for an opportunity to challenge her.
Matthews squared her shoulders, her voice sharp and steady. "Sir Beyton, until the clock strikes midnight, I am the acting EAD. Madam Bishop is merely filling in for me today and will officially take charge of the branch tomorrow. So, you don't make me repeat myself."
Without waiting for a response, Matthews turned to Guild Leader Everhart, her expression softening slightly. "I have a daughter her age," she said, nodding toward Sonia. "She's just like yours—headstrong, strong-willed. She doesn't like to show it, but she'd fight the world for me and my husband. And just the same, my husband and I would do anything for her. What about you, Guild Leader Everhart?"
Everhart hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced down at Sonia, who was furiously mumbling into his palm as he covered her mouth. She thrashed slightly, trying to tell him not to give up, that they could still fight. But her father's shoulders slumped, and he gave a weary nod. "So will I. What are you proposing?"
Beyton, clearly irked by the shift in tone, interjected, "How about we start with you telling us what we want?" His attempt to undermine Matthews was met with an icy glare from her.
"Sir Beyton," Matthews said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of authority, "Crimson Eyes and I have this situation under control. You and the others may return to your ongoing tasks now."
If not for Matthews' desire to keep the local C.I.B. branch's infighting hidden from an outsider—especially a criminal—she would have taught the old-school Beyton a lesson in never undermining her authority. Today, however, was Beyton's lucky day. He wasn't entirely unaware of this either, as he snorted, preparing to make another snide comment. Before he could utter a word, one of his colleagues wisely whisked him away.
Meanwhile, the other curse masters subdued the raging fire, cleared the smoke, and dismantled the cursed array formation. They left without further incident, leaving the lower-ranked C.I.B. agents to clean up the aftermath and secure the area.
Once the field was clear of onlookers, Matthews turned her attention back to Everhart. "Before I tell you what I want, let me first tell you what I can offer," she began, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "You can rebuild your guild and continue your old operations, though most of them will need to be outside the country. Not only will the C.I.B. refrain from hindering you, but we'll also assist you if needed. And your daughter—she'll have the chance to live an honest life, free from your criminal past, as a C.I.B. agent directly under my supervision."
"Ha!" Everhart let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Let me summarize," he said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "You're saying you want me and my new guild to work as your informants while holding my daughter hostage to ensure I don't step out of line. Did I get that right?"
"You're a smart man, Everhart," Matthews replied, her tone calm yet firm. "I hope you won't squander this opportunity—for your daughter's sake." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked around before gaze once again landed on the latter. "Is this the future you want for her? If you let go of your pride and grudge, you'll give her the chance to build a future in the C.I.B. Yes, the pay is modest, and the risks are high, but the perks and the honor are immeasurable. Your decision today will determine whether your daughter dies a criminal—or a hero."
"Fuck!" Crimson Eyes cursed under his breath, his body tensing as a wave of déjà vu washed over him. A chill ran down his spine as he recalled how Matthews had roped him into the C.I.B. years ago, pulling him away from his life as a rich, carefree playboy. She had made him abandon his family, his status, and his future as the next heir of the McSuile family—all to serve the agency.
"I would agree, but I don't trust the C.I.B.," Everhart finally said, breaking his contemplative silence. His tone was calm but resolute as he ignored his daughter's muffled protests. She was chewing on his palm, trying to wrestle free from his grip to speak for herself.
"That's a risk you'll have to take," Matthews replied bluntly, crossing her arms. She didn't push further, recognizing that Everhart had already made up his mind.
Everhart shifted his gaze to Crimson Eyes, his voice lowering as he addressed him directly. "If you can promise me that my daughter will be treated fairly, I'll agree to her terms immediately."
Crimson Eyes let out a sharp scoff, his expression incredulous. "You do realize I work for the C.I.B., right? What makes you think you can trust me?"
"I'm not asking you to promise me as a C.I.B. agent," Everhart countered, his voice steady but edged with emotion. "I'm asking as the heir of the McSuile family. Back in the day, I had the honor of working for your grandfather. I was a nobody then, but he inspired me. He was the most honorable man I've ever known, in either world. As his heir, I believe you're a man of your word—just like him."
Crimson Eyes' expression darkened, his jaw tightening at the mention of his grandfather. A flicker of anger crossed his face, but before he could lash out, Matthews caught his eye and gave him a subtle but firm signal to hold back. He inhaled deeply, reigning in his emotions, and finally replied, "Fine. I promise. But the day you break the deal with her, your daughter is no longer under my protection."