A One-of-a-Kind Crystal

If Ezekiel Sims had been someone familiar with high-society etiquette, someone who had carved the word "hypocrisy" into his bones, then upon seeing Henry's behavior, he would have known to retreat for now, wait for another opportunity, or find a way to retaliate in secret.

Unfortunately, he was not.

He had always been a man who used the power he gained thirty years ago to hack his way through every obstacle and climb to his current position.

But that way of life had hit an iron wall long ago. The supernatural power he had gained from the "spider" worked well enough against ordinary people, but against those who truly held resources and power, they could always find suitable ways to deal with him.

So Ezekiel Sims compromised and chose to cooperate with Abstergo. In his eyes, it was not simply a matter of being absorbed into the company; but whenever their objectives conflicted, Abstergo's interests had to come first. That condition still left him somewhat displeased.

Investing in a project that Henry Brown might incubate was Ezekiel Sims's small act of defiance against the rules set by Abstergo Industries. Unfortunately, the man had refused without the slightest tact.

Then things could only return to the proper track, and Henry would have to accept the olive branch Abstergo had extended.

Yet that invitation had also been rejected. Ezekiel Sims could not quite tell whether he felt pleased or unhappy right now.

Just as the man who had achieved everything he had through his own efforts was about to say something more laden with veiled threats, a loud call came from the other side. "Henry, come over here for a moment."

Mrs. Mellon and a group of Old Money were gathered around the Projection Crystal, beckoning Henry over. Katharine Hepburn, the elderly