The Descartes family estate's private office carried the familiar weight of authority—a space where Riya conducted founding family business requiring isolation from Academy oversight and Council interference. Riyan and Livia entered with coordinated precision, both recognizing this conversation would determine whether their foreign continent discovery remained family-controlled intelligence or became an international incident.
Riya sat behind her ancient meteorite-fragment desk, her SS+ rank presence radiating controlled intensity. A glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice sat within easy reach, condensation forming patterns on the crystal surface.
Her blue eyes tracked the twins with maternal assessment mixing professional evaluation and fierce protectiveness. "You're back three days early with encrypted priority communications. Livia's ice signature shows controlled agitation. Explain what happened."
