"I am your puppet," Vance wept softly, his voice echoing against the floorboards. "I will do whatever the master commands."
Rafael stared down at the trembling politician kneeling at his feet, his silver eyes completely devoid of warmth or pity.
"Stand up, Julian," Rafael instructed, his deep baritone cutting through the silence of the private room like a razor. "A future mayor does not weep on the floor before his master."
Vance scrambled back to his feet, frantically wiping sweat and tears from his pale face with a silk handkerchief.
"I will execute every campaign mandate without question, Mr. Ethel," Vance stammered, clutching his leather briefcase tightly against his chest.
"Ensure the broadcast buys in Sector 1 go live before midnight," Rafael stated smoothly, turning his b
