Chapter 36: Reassurances

News reporters swarmed the entrance of the White House like hungry wolves, their microphones thrust forward, with cameras flashing from photojournalists as they pressed against the entry gates. Two black Maybach S-Class sedans crawled forward at a snail’s pace, forced to navigate through the sea of journalists while Secret Service agents worked to clear a path.

Once past the media frenzy, the Maybachs pulled up to the main entrance in slow procession with their tinted windows offering no glimpse of the occupants within. From the rear vehicle stepped Lucien Cifer, Chief Director of USOV, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure in his dark suit.

He was accompanied by a single assistant while the remaining agents dispersed to take their positions alongside the regular security detail. Minutes later, three men sat in the most powerful room in America—the Oval Office. It featured distinctive curved walls and tall large windows, with beige sofas arranged around a geometric-patterned rug. At the far end, the famous Resolute Desk stood flanked by the American and presidential flags, its polished surface reflecting the golden curtains that framed the windows.

President Dennis McDonald occupied his chair behind the historic desk, his blonde hair and wire-rimmed glasses giving him a younger appearance than his mid-forties would suggest. He wore a navy blue suit and a red striped tie.

Facing him in one of the brown leather chairs, was the gray-haired General Kaine Myers, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The General’s dark blue dress uniform bore the four stars of his rank and his chest decorated with ribbons and medals that told the story of decades of military service. He was visibly older than the President, by at least ten years.

Lucien exchange firm handshakes with both men, then unfastened the button on his suit jacket whilst settling into the remaining seat, as he prepared for the conversation.

“Welcome, Director Lucien,” President McDonald began with a formal tone.

“Thank you, Mr. President,” Lucien replied with a slight nod.

McDonald leaned forward slightly, his expression growing serious. “I’ll cut to the chase. We’re deeply concerned about the situation in Michigan. We know USOV tries to keep the actual statistics under wraps, but I need a full explanation of what’s happening out there. I’m aware of the recent high-threat-level breaches.” He paused, his blue eyes fixed on Lucien. “Has one of the Families perhaps established a branch there?”

Lucien shifted in his seat, choosing his words carefully. “No, Mr. President. No Family has established a branch in Michigan. However, I must be honest, what’s happening there is currently an anomaly, and we’re working on a solution.”

General Myers leaned forward, his weathered face stern. “How long is this going to take, Director?”

“The truth is, we may have already discovered why there’s an anomaly,” Lucien said slowly, “but right now it’s only speculation. We haven’t reached a definitive conclusion yet.”

“What exactly is this speculation?” the President pressed.

Lucien hesitated for a moment. “I’m sorry, Mr. President, but I cannot say at this time.”

General Myers’ jaw tightened visibly. “What do you mean you cannot say?”

The President remained silent, with his gaze fixed on Lucien, waiting for an explanation.

“General, I wouldn’t use the word ’classified,’ but I need to request patience from both of you regarding USOV’s investigation,” Lucien said carefully. “If our theory is confirmed, this could be the game-changer we’ve all been looking for.”

General Myers opened his mouth to respond, but President McDonald raised his right hand in a subtle gesture that immediately silenced the military man. The General settled back into his chair, though his expression remained skeptical.

The President studied Lucien for a long moment before speaking. “Lucien, I won’t pry further, and I’ll choose to trust you on this. But understand this, the last thing we need is another Family branch established on American soil.” His voice carried the weight of his office.

“Currently, out of the thirteen Families, three of them operate within our borders, not including their subsidiary branches. I can barely maintain control over my own capital because House Kharthorne has their claws right here in Washington!” He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. “We cannot give these Families any more reason to expand their presence in America. Is that understood, Director?”

“Yes, sir,” Lucien answered with a firm nod.

General Myers kept his steely gaze fixed on Lucien for several more seconds before finally looking away, with his expression unreadable.

…

A full weekend had passed since the devastating battle between Serafina and Liam, and Monday morning arrived with its usual indifference to every human’s silent prayers that weekends should never end. Liam stood in his bedroom, adjusting the long gray coat that hung open over his waistcoat and black turtleneck.

“Okay, please get back to me on the prices. We need to move from here quickly,” he said into the phone before ending the call. The apartment search had become a necessity and while Yae hadn’t explicitly asked him to find a new place, Liam could see the strain in every forced smile, every attempt at normalcy that fell just short of convincing. She wasn’t even ready to return to university despite their spring break being over.

Fortunately, his work with USOV over the past week had proven financially rewarding. The substantial bonuses for each monster elimination had provided him with enough funds to secure a new apartment for both of them.

He also managed to complete his daily quest earlier that morning. A thousand push-ups without using any abilities, a grueling routine regardless of how necessary the system deemed it.

As he headed downstairs, Liam could hear the television playing in the living room. Yae sat on the couch, seemingly absorbed in whatever program was on, unaware of his approach. He moved quietly, intending to simply touch her shoulder and let her know he was leaving for work. “Yae…” he began softly, his hand gently making contact with her shoulder.

However, the reaction that followed next was explosive and instantaneous. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Yae screamed, her hand swinging back violently as flames erupted from her palm in a reflexive burst of terror and rage.

Liam’s enhanced reflexes kicked in, allowing him to dodge the unexpected attack, but the flames found other targets. A framed photograph on the nearby wall caught fire, along with the decorative wall clock beside it. The flames began to spread slowly.

Without hesitation, Liam extended his hand toward the growing fire.

[Contract Borrowing → Lazark’s Ice Manipulation]

A wave of frost materialized from his palm, instantly quelling the flames before they could cause serious damage to the apartment. When he turned back, Liam’s expression was wide with shock, but not as wide as Yaela’s. She stared at her hand like it wasn’t hers, wondering what the fuck just happened.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep