The Emperor sneered and took a sip of whiskey from the glass one of his men handed him. "Effective? You risked my entire operation on a ghost. If Silas finds out who he really is before we're ready, everything collapses."
He leaned forward, eyes burning. "Tell me, Viktor — why should I not kill you right now for this incompetence?"
Viktor's face paled. "Because I'm still useful. I have connections. I have the younger brother — Leon — under control through Santiago. The plan is working. Give me more time."
Liam watched silently, his golden eyes glancing at the two men.
The Emperor laughed coldly. "Time? You've had years. And now you bring me a ghost who might be working for someone else." He turned to Liam. "Advisor, what do you think? Should I spare him?"
Liam's voice was steady. "He's a liability now. But he still has value if we control him tightly. Use him as bait if needed."
Viktor shot Liam a betrayed look, but the advisor didn't flinch.
