The ride to the Gamma’s house was quiet and heavy with tension. Bruce drove, Lisa sat in the front seat with her arms folded, while Xavier watched the passing streets from the back seat, his jaw tight. None of them spoke for a while; the silence felt safer than words.

As they drove down the street leading to the Gamma’s residence, Lisa’s mouth fell slightly open.

“I never knew Meret was this rich. Only rich people stay in this area,” she said, sounding genuinely stunned.

“Wait till ...