Madam Gu looked at the young warlord calmly. The terrified, battered wife completely vanished, instantly replaced by a woman who had survived decades in the venomous inner courts of the capital. She offered a slight, knowing smile.
"My lady, I agree to collaborate with you on the condition that we remain entirely separate," Madam Gu said, her voice steady and sharp. "But do you genuinely believe I am crazy enough to strap the Vanguard burden to my own back?"
Heena raised her eyebrows, genuinely surprised. 'This bruised bird is actually a hawk.'
"What exactly do you mean?" Heena asked, leaning into the conversation.
