It was a young woman approximately Arthur's age—power evident in her graceful movements and intelligent eyes.
"Everyone, hold hands," Gates commanded his security team.
The bodyguards exchanged confused glances but obeyed without hesitation. Loyalty transcended logical understanding when survival was involved.
Aether's spatial manipulation activated on an expanded scale, reality folding around the assembled group like silk curtains being drawn.
Group teleportation. Always impressive. Gates thought.
-----
Gates Corporation Headquarters
The familiar conference room materialised around them, corporate architecture replacing estate grandeur. Tiana immediately realised the headquarters from the design.
"Welcome to the new world order," Gates said quietly.
Arthur's forces were positioned, and his objectives were advancing.
Seeing Gates back alongside his daughter and bodyguards, Arthur announced.
