Oliver's brows furrowed as he processed the thought, his hands tightening slightly on the wheel. After a long moment, he spoke carefully, his tone deliberately neutral.
"Forgive me for asking, Sir, but… considering what Mr. Ryder told us about that memory-altering drug… isn't it possible Mr. Vincent had a hand in the abduction as well?"
Ryley's answer came fast, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
"No. I doubt it." His gaze stayed fixed on the blur of passing city lights, his tone hard and absolute. "If Vincent had learned Ryder was hiding and protecting Lucille Heisenberg, he wouldn't waste a second. He'd bring it up to the council and have Ryder executed without hesitation."
Ryley's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "You know the rules, Oliver. The Heisenbergs are legitimate targets now."
A long stretch of silence filled the car, broken only by the hum of the engine.
