Chapter 49: Whispers of Control

The room falls into stunned silence. The representatives glance at each other, eyes wide with shock. Even William, who had been so vocal moments ago, is very visibly shaken by the revelation.

"Vanessa Roland?" he mutters under his breath.

Kaleb and Cassie exchange confused looks, while Rayna sits motionless, her face unreadable. The name clearly holds weight, but its significance is lost on Kaleb and Rayna.

Victor leans back into his chair, his usual grin returning as he watches the others grapple with the news. His mood lightens, but the atmosphere around the table remains tense, uncertainty hanging in the air.

Kaleb leans in, placing a hand on Cassie's lap as he does causing her to stiffen up and her face to flush red.

'He's touching me!' she thought, as steam practically puffed out her ears.

"Hey Victor," he whispered. "What's going on, and who's Vanessa Roland?"

"I'll explain later kid, just be patient."