"He also doesn't know what I'm capable of," I interrupt. "But he's about to find out."
I turn to Luca. "Release them and make sure they understand that if I see them on my territory again, there won't be a third chance."
"Penelope, this is a mistake," Aaron says, his voice strained. "You're inviting danger…"
"I'm accepting a challenge that was already issued," I correct. "This person, whoever he is, was coming for me regardless. At least this way, we control the message. We show strength instead of fear. We prepare on our terms instead of being caught off guard."
"She's right," Matthias says reluctantly. "Strategically, it makes sense. If they're going to report back anyway, we might as well use it."
Aaron looks like he wants to argue more, but Luca is already moving to unlock the sha
