Evan said, “You lied to me.”

Daniel went silent.

Then he said, “Who is this?”

“It’s Evan.”

Another pause.

Then Daniel’s voice changed completely.

“You stupid kid.”

Evan flinched.

“You told me he was dead too.”

Daniel laughed softly.

“No. Claire told you he was dead. I told you to process what you were given.”

Claire whispered, “Daniel, stop.”

So she was listening now—not as someone betrayed, but as someone lower in command.