"Homelander, you're here. Sorry for the trouble, but please have Mr. Translucent leave first."
Homelander held one hand behind his back, his bearing arrogant yet languid. He glanced up at the two facing off, then raised an index finger and gently wagged it from side to side, his casual gesture carrying absolute authority.
"Though I've never particularly liked this guy."
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling on Solomon, his tone offhand.
"But he's right about one thing. Vought needs the Seven, not the other way around. The Seven should be above Vought's rules to begin with."
He withdrew his gaze and looked back at Madelyn, whose expression had stiffened slightly, his tone forceful and brooking no argument.
"Whether Ashley stays or goes, whether she does a good job or not, is completely irrelevant. What matters most is that only the Seven can decide the fate of personnel assigned exclusively to us. Only me, as captain."
With that, Homelander looked at Solomon again, a playful smile curling his lips, probing and appraising.
"Am I right, JS?"
Solomon remained calm and nodded openly in response.
"That's right. You're the captain of the Seven. Naturally, you have the final say."
His tone was even as he added another remark, every word striking precisely at Homelander's private desires.
"With all due respect, Vought really does meddle too much. We're what Vought relies on, not pawns for them to manipulate at will. What we need are obedient subordinates, not lackeys who overstep their bounds and defy their superiors."
At those words, a distinct flash of surprise instantly crossed Homelander's eyes.
Those words had spoken to exactly what was in his heart.
He had long since had enough of Vought's executives controlling him, enough of these ordinary people using company rules to order him