Chapter 66: The Wolf's Shadow
The older man poured himself a drink.
"Jackson," Zack said slowly, testing the name like it was something fragile he could break. "Yeah... You worked under my son before you betrayed him, right?"
Jackson's eyes did not move from Zack's face. "I did what I had to survive."
Zack chuckled, very amused by the answer. "Survival. I like that word. It always sounds so noble. But tell me something… does surviving make you feel powerful, or does it make you feel small?"
Jackson leaned back in his chair. "Depends who is asking."
Zack's smile widened. "Oh, I am the one who decides how small you can get."
The silence stretched like a blade between them. Jackson's pulse stayed steady, but his hand twitched once, barely noticeable.
"You knew Ethan," Zack said after a long moment. "Tell me what you saw."
"He was angry," Jackson replied. "But not at you. He was angry at himself. He thinks you ruined him, but deep down he still wants your approval."
