Emily noted the suntke gesture, her face remaining expressionless even as they moved.
As they neared the exit, the young man in the navy suit passed within a few feet of them.
His eyes flicked casually toward Emily, taking in her appearance, her posture, and the garment bag hanging over her arm.
For a fraction of a second, his gaze locked onto her eyes. He paused slightly, a faint, condescending curve touching the corner of his lips, before continuing toward the counter without saying a word.
One of his broad-shouldered guards cast a sharp, lingering look at Sebastian, his hand resting casually against his coat, before following his master.
Once they were well past the Vault's security perimeter, Emily let out a quiet breath.
"Who was that?"
"That," Sebastian said, his voice calm but measured as they walked toward their parked vehicle, "was Julian Vance. He's descended from a long line of gifted Talented.
Emily stopped in her tracks, blinking.
"Vance..."
