A moment before, Claire had been all polite pretense, but now her demeanor shifted to one of imperious entitlement. Julian had handed her the power, and she was going to wield it.

Charlotte silently tightened her grip on the tissue in her hand, her expression calm, unflinching. "So, Director Winslow has other plans for me?" she asked evenly.

Claire crossed her arms, throwing a glance back at her son.

Xavier bounded over to her, clinging to her side and ...