Chapter 351: Moving Forward
The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity after my declaration. I stood there, waiting for someone to speak, to object, to tell me I was insane for asking them to follow me deeper into this abyss of danger and uncertainty.
Instead, Camille was the first to break the quiet, her voice steady and resolute. "We’re with you."
The words were simple, but they carried the weight of absolute commitment. Alexis nodded in agreement and even Evelyn, hidden behind her blindfold, gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
But it was Sienna who surprised me most. After everything she’d said earlier, after laying out every rational reason why we should walk away, she looked me directly in the eyes and said, "I meant what I said about the risks. But I also meant what I said about supporting you no matter what."
The relief that washed over me was almost overwhelming. I’d prepared myself for the possibility that they might choose safety over loyalty, and I wouldn’t have blamed them. Instead, they were choosing to trust me with their lives, even after I’d made it clear that I might not be worthy of that trust.
"Thank you," I said, my voice rougher than I’d intended. "All of you. I know what I’m asking, and I know what it might cost. I won’t forget that."
Sienna stood up and walked over to me, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "We know who you are, Rey. The real you, not the public figure or the political candidate. We’ve seen you at your worst and your best, and we’re still here."
The moment was interrupted by my Strategist skill activating, my mind suddenly shifting into tactical mode as I began processing our current situation and immediate needs. The emotional weight of the conversation didn’t disappear, but it took a backseat to the analytical framework that had kept us alive through countless crises.
Priority one: Security. We needed to stay inside until Anthony gave us the all-clear. The assassination attempt had been professional, which meant there might be follow-up attacks or surveillance teams still in position. Moving prematurely could expose us to additional risks.
Priority two: Public perception. The failed assassination attempt could be spun as either a sign of our vulnerability or proof of our resilience. We needed to control that narrative before our enemies had a chance to shape it.
"Camille," I said, turning to face her as my Strategist skill continued organizing priorities and contingencies. "I need you to post something about today’s attack. The platform is yours to choose, after all people trust you in a way they don’t trust politicians."
She nodded, understanding immediately. This wasn’t the first time I’ve used her influence to my advantage. Her posts regularly reached millions of people, and her influence extended far beyond the fashion world. If anyone could help us control the narrative around today’s events, it was her.