Page 300 of Black Reign

“Call it whatever helps you sleep.”

“I call it grounds for removal.”

“Try.”

His mouth tightens.

“You will recuse yourself from ARGUS.”

“No.”

“You will end contact with her.”

“No.”

“You will turn her over to internal security.”

“No.”

“Xavier.”

“No.”

His hand comes down hard against the table.

“I forbid any further association with that woman.”

Silence.

I look at him.

Really look at him.

Sixty years of Blackwell control condensed into one sentence.

I forbid it.

Something in me almost laughs.

I haven't been sixteen for a long time.

“You forbid it.”

“Yes.”

“And if I refuse?”

“You are forcing me to choose between my son and the integrity of this company.”

“Then choose carefully.”

“Do not test me.”

“I'm not.”

My voice gets quieter.

“You're testing me.”