Hunter was standing at the side entrance of the auditorium, pale and motionless, wearing that hollow, empty expression of men who truly believe they control the world—until the world decides to fight back.

He must have arrived late, because he hadn’t seen Carson stand at the beginning, and he clearly hadn’t grasped the depth of the room’s support for her.

He only saw a room full of brilliant people congratulating the woman he’d tried to erase.

He took a tentative step toward her, but Carson moved faster. He placed himself between them with a serene, immovable authority, not even needing to touch him to make his point.

“Do not even think about coming near her,” Carson warned, his voice calm and cold.

Hunter went still, his face crumbling as he realized the game was well and truly over.