The communication channels immediately erupted with questions, demands for verification, and more than a few expressions of outright disbelief. Priscilla listened to the initial responses with obvious satisfaction before closing the connection and turning back to our small group.
"That felt good," she admitted with uncharacteristic candor. "The Tower's research team has been so insufferably condescending in our joint meetings. Acting as if the Creighton family were merely junior partners in this endeavor."
Rachel laughed softly. "Aunt Priscilla, you've been plotting this moment for months, haven't you?"
"Plotting is such an ugly word," Priscilla replied with mock innocence. "I prefer 'strategically positioning our achievements for maximum impact.'"
