Chapter 86

"Maxwell, are you attempting ballet now? Careful not to rupture anything important!" Dominic clutched his stomach as laughter erupted from him.

The sound echoed through the high-security corridors of the intelligence agency headquarters - a rare moment of levity in their normally tense environment.

Sebastian observed his younger brothers' antics with paternal amusement, memories of their childhood flashing through his mind.

"Speaking of which," Dominic's eyes lit up with excitement, "let me show you the present I prepared for Evelyn."

He produced a sleek titanium briefcase with military precision. The moment he cracked the biometric lock, Sebastian's jaw dropped while Maxwell gasped audibly.

"This prototype was developed exclusively for our division." Dominic's voice took on the cadence of a proud inventor. "Dual ammunition system - lethal rounds on the right selector, tranquilizer darts on the left. Three days of guaranteed unconsciousness with just one prick."

His fingers danced over the contents. "This cigarette lighter? Actually a micro-explosive capable of leveling small structures. And Evelyn's jewelry hobby gave me inspiration." He held up an elegant ring that caught the light dangerously.

Maxwell reached instinctively, only to have his wrist seized in an iron grip. "Ah-ah. Each thorn contains a neurotoxin that makes cyanide seem like vitamin supplements."

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Lord have mercy on your soul."

"I'm amazed Evelyn survived childhood with you around," Maxwell muttered, eyeing the arsenal warily.

"You underestimate our sister," Dominic's expression darkened. "These are precautionary gifts for that bastard Nathan. The manner of his demise depends entirely on Evelyn's preference."

A newfound respect flickered in Maxwell's eyes.

"How long is your leave this time?" Sebastian interjected with brotherly concern.

"Two weeks, give or take." Dominic's shoulders slumped slightly. "There's a critical operation in Silvercrest next month requiring advance preparation. Otherwise I'd extend my stay."

"Official duties take precedence," Sebastian reassured him. "Between Maxwell and myself, Evelyn remains well-protected."

A weighted pause followed before Sebastian ventured carefully, "Will you visit Father? He mentioned you recently."

"That old fox will outlive us all whether I appear or not." Dominic's dismissive wave couldn't mask the shadow crossing his features.

The brothers exchanged uneasy glances. While Evelyn had gradually accepted Harrison's... complicated domestic arrangements, Dominic remained the lone holdout, his military career serving as self-imposed exile.

Yet recently, nostalgia had begun eroding his resolve. Memories of simpler times - of sibling camaraderie uncomplicated by adult betrayals.

"Dom," Maxwell felt the shift in mood, "how about we-"

"Let's go hunting," Dominic interrupted, slinging an arm around his brother's neck with sudden enthusiasm, their earlier squabble forgotten.

"Hunting what exactly?" Maxwell's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Alone. Evelyn made us swear not to provoke Nathan, and I intend to keep that promise." Maxwell backpedaled as if from radioactive material.

Dominic's lips curled into something between a smirk and a snarl. "Suit yourself." The dangerous glint in his eye suggested the hunt was already underway - with or without participation.