Page 79 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

I consider my answer carefully, looking at Eva's sleeping form beside Zander. "Because loyalty should be rewarded," I say finally. "Because you protected what's precious to me, even when it cost you everything. And because..." I meet his gaze directly, "sometimes the best revenge is returning power to those who'll use it properly."

"The Wright Foundation's research facilities will be invaluable," Hannah notes practically. "Particularly given recent developments regarding genetic memory manipulation and trauma response."

Understanding dawns in Marcus's eyes as he glances at Eva. "You want me to continue my research," he says. "Into the serum that affects memory."

"Among other things," I confirm. "Your work could benefit more than just our Queen. And now you have the resources to do it properly, legally, without fear of interference."

"Jesus," Ren breathes, clearly impressed. "You really do think of everything, don't you?"

"Hannah thinks of everything," I correct him. "I just provide the motivation for people to cooperate."

"Speaking of motivation," Zander says from his bed, still idly stroking Eva's hair, "what exactly did you say to convince Domino to seek treatment?"

A small smile plays at my lips as I remember that particular conversation. "I simply helped him understand that his obsession with Eva would be better served by addressing his own mental health first."

"While hanging upside down in a sewer," Ares adds dryly.

"The location was incidental," Hannah says blandly. "Though the rats did seem to help emphasize certain points of the discussion."

The room falls quiet again as everyone processes these revelations. Marcus still stands by the window, holding the papers that restore his family's legacy, looking slightly shell-shocked.

"Welcome back to power, Dr. Wright," I say softly. "Try not to waste it this time."

Marcus stands by the window, the papers trembling slightly in his hands as he fights back tears. The restoration of his birthright seems to have stripped away his usual clinical composure, leaving something raw and vulnerable in its place. He manages a quick nod of acknowledgment, clearly not trusting his voice.

"So," Ares breaks the emotional moment, ever practical despite his model's facade, "what's the actual game plan here? Six Ruthless Kings including our resident psychopath – that's got to be more complicated than just showing up to class together."

"The objective remains consistent," I say, watching how the rain traces patterns on the dark windows. "But we've moved beyond Havoc and Carnage. Our arc of Obsession leads to something... final."

"Which is what exactly?" Ren asks, voicing the question clearly on everyone's mind.

"Vengeance." The word falls like a blade between us, sharp and certain. "But first, we need to ensure everyone isproperly obsessed with our reign. That's where Domino becomes essential."

They exchange confused looks, clearly struggling to understand how our greatest threat could become a key asset.

"How exactly does that work?" Zander asks, his hand never stilling in Eva's hair. "Given his track record, I'm not seeing him as a team player."

"All will be explained on arrival day," I assure them, enjoying their collective frustration at my vagueness. "Some pieces need to be in place first."

"Speaking of places," Ares interjects, "where exactly are we supposed to live? Last I checked, our previous residence ended up slightly crispy around the edges."

A small smile plays at my lips. "I've already secured new property in the luxury district. The gated community where victors traditionally reside."

"How the hell did you manage that?" Marcus asks, finally finding his voice again. "Those properties are practically impossible to acquire."

I merely shrug, remembering the rather creative negotiations that led to our new home.

"Some secrets," Hannah says blandly from beside me, "are best left mysterious."

"Fine, keep your real estate secrets," Ares concedes. "But how do we make wherever it is Domino-proof? I'm not particularly keen on waking up to find him standing over my bed with a knife."

"Bold of you to assume he'd use something as mundane as a knife," Ren mutters, earning a sharp look from Zander.

"The property has certain... modifications," I explain carefully. "Security measures specifically designed with our unique situation in mind."

"Meaning?" Marcus prompts, setting his restoration papers carefully aside.

"Meaning," Hannah interjects smoothly, "that any attempt at unauthorized violence will be met with immediate and rather unpleasant consequences."

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