Aliana looked at her friend with genuine concern. "That is what I'm wondering. It makes me question whether this is really just about pushing you to join that cult, or if there's something more going on behind the scenes."
Nigel, who had been quietly eating his lunch while trying to make sense of the drama, froze mid-bite as a single word registered in his brain. "Wait... I'm sorry, Boss... did you say... c-cult?"
Aliana glanced at Nigel before offering Jade a subtle nod. "Do you want to break it to him, or should I?"
"I'll handle it," Jade sighed, fixing Nigel with a calm gaze. "Take a deep breath and don't panic, Nigel."
Naturally, telling Nigel not to panic had the exact opposite effect. His eyes widened in horror as Jade summarised the bizarre cult her father was involved in. By the end of her explanation, Nigel had gone completely rigid. His jaw dropped so low a bird could have nested in his mouth.
