The room was quiet after Aveline's words. She had said it clearly that the situation was beyond apology.
Seraphina didn't dare to respond. She was well aware of what Aveline was pointing at. And this time she wasn't going to fall into Aveline's ploy.
Lucien leaned back slightly, his tone smooth when he broke the silence. "Miss Laurent is dramatizing the matter," he said. "One public outburst, and suddenly it is painted as though the Astors are misusing the power. Surely, I haven't started using it yet." The threat beneath his words was apparent.
Alaric's expression didn't change, but something cold settled in his eyes as he turned to Lucien. His voice was quiet, almost casual. "You haven't started using it yet," he repeated, letting the words hang in the air.
"Would you take action, President Astor?" The question carried no heat, only a dangerous stillness. "Because I haven't started either."
