Claymore's green eyes flashed with a sharp glint, revealing how much thought he had already put into that very issue. "Elliot's pride is predictable, but his influence is limited outside of his immediate circle. He can posture all he wants, but once Maximilian is officially adopted, his position will be unrivaled. The title of Duke will leave no room for debate."
Gabriel tilted his head, studying the duke's measured response. "You're underestimating Elliot if you think he'll stop at posturing. He's already plotting something; according to my informants, he's attempting to tarnish Maximilian's reputation."
Callahan folded his hands, his calm demeanor giving way to a slight scowl. "Elliot's opinions are known, but his credibility has been waning. He'll find it difficult to rally support against someone like Maximilian. He is who he is because of the Claymore name."
"Ah, yes," Gabriel said, his tone turning drier. "The war hero, the rebel fighter, and a member of the court, even if he does not yet have a title. He's practically a walking legend up there. I suppose you are hoping that will overshadow the fact that he is walking into a snake pit after receiving Claymore's title."
Claymore's lips quirked in a faint smile. "Maximilian isn't walking in blind, Gabriel. He knows exactly what he's stepping into. He didn't survive a rebellion by being naive."
Gabriel huffed a quiet laugh, leaning back in his chair. "Fair enough. However, you must understand that Elliot will not only question Maximilian's legitimacy, but will also see this as a slight to his own status. He won't take it lying down."
Claymore's expression turned cold, his green eyes narrowing. "Elliot is a thorn in my side, not a threat. He is free to express his displeasure, but he knows better than to openly attack me or this family."
"He is your son, Claymore. Whether you like it or not, there will be resistance from family members who want more of it. I'm convinced that you have a plan, but I felt the need to let you know that there is more to Elliot and his mother than we know."
"Thank you, but I have him under control," said Claymore.
Gabriel wasn't convinced but decided to let it drop for now. Instead, he shifted gears, his gaze turning calculating. "Speaking of Maximilian, I do know him, or at least, I know his work. We've collaborated on a few projects before. He's good; I'll give him that. But as for the man himself... I can't say I know much beyond the professional facade."
"Then tomorrow will be a good opportunity to change that," Callahan said. "You'll need to see Maximilian as more than just a colleague if this alliance is to succeed."
Gabriel smirked faintly. "That's assuming I like what I see. You're asking me to make a decision that will impact my entire life, not just my professional standing. I don't take that lightly."
"No one is expecting you to," Claymore said, his tone steady. "But Maximilian's reputation speaks for itself. He's not just an asset. He's someone you can trust, someone who's proven himself in the most challenging of circumstances."
"Trust is earned, not inherited," Gabriel replied coolly. "I'll reserve judgment until I meet him tomorrow. And we'll need to figure out if we're compatible, which is a bit harder when my mark masks my pheromones. Makes the whole 'gut feeling' aspect of these things a bit trickier."
Claymore's expression shifted, his tone pragmatic. "A challenge, no doubt, but one you can overcome. Compatibility isn't just about instinct. It's about observation, communication, and a willingness to adapt. The mark may obscure some things, but it doesn't hide everything."
Callahan adjusted his glasses, his gaze settling on Gabriel. "You mentioned your concerns about Elliot, but what about your family? Are they going to complicate things further?"
Gabriel exhaled, his tone softening as he spoke. "My family's not the problem. They're capable, more than capable. Each of them has their strengths, and if we were facing anything else, I'd gladly have them by my side.
Callahan raised an eyebrow. "Then why the hesitation?"
Gabriel's gaze dropped to the desk as he rubbed his temples. "Because this isn't a court or a social battle. This is a cold war, with factions of nobles locked in a dangerous game. If something goes wrong, it's not just reputations at stake—it's lives. They think I'm reckless, but that's only because I'd rather shoulder the risks myself than see them get hurt."
Claymore's voice cut in, calm but pointed. "You're trying to shield them. Admirable, but shortsighted. They're already involved simply by being your family. Whether you like it or not, their actions, or inaction, will have consequences."
Gabriel looked up, his eyes sharp. "I know that. But I can't stand the thought of putting them in harm's way when I can handle this myself."
Callahan leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Perhaps you should consider that they're stronger than you give them credit for. Protecting them doesn't mean sidelining them. It means trusting them to do what they're capable of."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, but he nodded slowly. "You're right. They're not fragile, and they've proven time and again that they can handle themselves. I just need to find the balance between involving them and keeping them safe."
Claymore's green eyes softened ever so slightly. "You'll find it. But everyone must decide for themselves how far they're willing to go. Support given freely is far stronger than anything coerced or forced."
Gabriel offered a faint smile. "I'll keep that in mind. But for now, let's focus on tomorrow and what Maximilian brings to the table."
Callahan nodded in agreement. "Tomorrow will be a turning point. Be ready."
As the holographic projection of Claymore faded, Gabriel leaned back in his chair, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders. He reflected on his family's strengths, disagreements, and unwavering presence, and resolved to find a way to protect them without alienating them.
Callahan straightened his desk, meticulously stacking papers. "Before you leave, there are some matters we need to address regarding the projects you've been juggling."
Gabriel let out a groan, running a hand through his hair. "I was hoping you'd forget about those."
Callahan arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Forgetting is not in my nature, Gabriel. The security protocols for the Georia Port Portals and Blue Ether are urgent. Blue Ether is already in court."
"I have been a little... preoccupied," Gabriel admitted, his voice tinged with fatigue. "But I will go over the protocols this week, and as for the Blue Ether, if it is necessary, I doubt it, but assign Anabelle to prioritize the most critical clarifications. She's better at cutting through the bureaucracy than I am."
Callahan nodded, jotting down notes. "Consider it done. I'll expect the updated protocols by Friday."
"Of course you will," Gabriel muttered under his breath, earning a pointed look from Callahan. "Fine, fine. I'll get it done. Do you need something else?"
"For now, that will suffice," Callahan said, adjusting his glasses. "But I suggest you get some rest. Tomorrow will demand your full attention."
Gabriel gave a small salute, a smirk playing at his lips. "Yes, sir. I'll try not to collapse before then."
"Gabriel… We didn't intend for everything to start these days, but we don't have any choice."
Gabriel stood abruptly, brushing off his jacket and straightening his posture. "We'll see about that. Anything else you want to drop on me tonight, or is this my cue to leave?"
Callahan leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That's all for now. But Gabriel, make no mistake. Time isn't on our side."
Gabriel nodded gently, turning toward the door. "When is it ever?"
He left the office, the door clicking shut behind him. The hallway was dimly lit, the quiet hum of the building a stark contrast to the noise in his mind.
Anabelle fell into step beside him as they left the office, her calm presence a welcome contrast to the intensity of the meeting. They walked in silence for a few moments before she finally spoke.
"So... Maximilian is coming here," she said, her voice light but curious. The majority of the employees only knew him by name and reputation; he was bound to attract attention.
Gabriel sighed. "Yes, he is. And he will have a shiny new title, no less. Just what I needed, more complications."
"Complications or opportunities?" she asked, glancing at him.
Gabriel despised the word opportunity; any time it was mentioned with his name attached, it meant more responsibility and problems to solve.
He shot her a look but didn't respond. As they reached his office, he stopped and turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "Thanks, Anabelle. For everything."
She nodded, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Get some rest, Gabriel. Tomorrow's another day."
As she walked away, Gabriel lingered by the door, his thoughts swirling. Maximilian's arrival loomed over him like a storm cloud, and the weight of the alliance, the mark, and his family's involvement pressed heavily on him.
But for now, he'd keep moving forward, one step at a time.