"Let's speak plainly," Wendell began. "Owen is someone we hold in high regard within our family. As such, all eyes and ears in the Owen household are constantly upon him."
Gin understood the implication immediately.
"So, you've been digging into my background," he said with a calm smile.
Wendell nodded without pretense. "We conducted a little investigation."
At those words, Owen's face tensed with discomfort, though he said nothing.
He had anticipated this. He knew he had neither the authority nor the strength to prevent the elders of his house from investigating someone like Gin. Still, Owen wasn't worried.
He was confident that no inquiry, no matter how thorough, would reveal anything damaging.
Now, seeing Gin again, Owen felt his trust deepen. The time apart had dulled his impression, but today that sense of admiration returned in full force. He was convinced—this man was vital to him.
"So," Gin asked, leaning forward with interest, "what did you find?"
