"Lower the weapon, Marcus." Richard's voice was glacial, his momentary loss of composure already under control. "You're making a very costly mistake."
Marcus stood motionless, the gun still trained on Richard's chest. The guards remained at the door, weapons raised but awaiting orders, uncertain whether to intervene in what appeared to be a dispute between their superiors.
"Show me Sophia," Marcus demanded, his voice steady despite the slight tremor in his hands. "Not another recycled video. Not another edited phone call. I want proof that my daughter is alive and where you claim she is."
Richard's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. "After this display of insubordination? I don't think you're in a position to make demands." He turned to one of the guards. "Contact the secondary facility. Have them prepare a live feed of the girl."
The guard nodded and stepped outside to relay the order. Richard turned back to Marcus, apparently unconcerned by the weapon still pointed at him.
