(Michelle POV — The Summons)
My phone vibrated while I was still half-considering whether winter air qualified as emotional therapy.
New message in:
INNER NINE ✦ MAIN LINE
Vince: EMERGENCY MEETING.
Vince: URGENT.
Vince: NON-ATTENDANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED TREASON.
Jeff: You sound like a tyrant.
Andy: Are snacks involved?
Kate: What did you break now.
Steven: Where.
Vince:
MY ESTATE.
NOW.
DRESS WARM.
BRING FESTIVE ENERGY.
DO NOT ASK QUESTIONS.
I stared at the screen.
This man never woke up and chose peace.
Michelle: I will assume this is not about arson.
Vince: Only emotionally.
That… was not reassuring.
--
(Arrival at Vince Kho's Mansion)
Vince's home was exactly what one would expect from a man who believed drama was a moral obligation.
Grand gates.
Snow-machine already malfunctioning.
A Christmas wreath so large it could file for property ownership.
Lights were everywhere. Not tasteful. Not subtle. Just… Vince.
