Unbreakable threads

Chapter one hundred and twenty Three: Gregory

Jesus led the group into the large house, holding the door open as everyone stepped inside. The interior was pristine compared to the rough-and-tumble nature of Alexandria or anywhere else they had been. Polished wood floors, elegant furniture, and framed artwork adorned the space, giving it an air of luxury that felt almost surreal in their post-apocalyptic world.

"Holy shit," Alyssa muttered, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings.

Before anyone could respond, the sound of double doors opening drew their attention. A man in his mid-fifties, dressed far too neatly for the state of the world, stepped into the room with a confident stride. His expression was one of measured authority, though it carried an air of condescension.

"Jesus, you're back," the man said, his eyes sweeping over the group. "With guests."

Jesus gestured toward the man. "Everyone, this is Gregory."

"I'm the boss," Gregory stated firmly, standing tall as though to reinforce his self-proclaimed title.

Rick took a step forward, his hand extended. "I'm Rick Grimes—"

Gregory cut him off with a dismissive wave. "Why don't you all get cleaned up? You look like you've been through the wringer. I'll have some food brought in, and we can talk when you're more... presentable."

Alyssa folded her arms, bristling at the interruption but holding her tongue. Daryl, standing close beside her, muttered under his breath, "Real charmer, ain't he?"

Maggie and Glenn exchanged a glance, clearly unimpressed. Rick, however, kept his composure, though his jaw tightened slightly. "We're fine as we are. We're here to talk about what we can offer each other."

Gregory gave a thin smile, clearly unbothered by Rick's firm tone. "Of course. But first impressions matter, don't they? Jesus, show them to some rooms. Let them settle in. We'll talk after dinner."

Jesus hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Follow me."

As they followed Jesus out of the room, Alyssa leaned toward Daryl and whispered, "I don't like this guy already."

Daryl grunted in agreement. "Yeah, join the club."

As they all descended the staircase with Jesus leading the way, Rick glanced at Maggie. His voice was low but firm. "You should be the one to talk to him."

Maggie furrowed her brow. "Why me?"

Rick shrugged, his tone blunt. "Because me and Alyssa will end up knocking him out if we do."

Alyssa stopped mid-step, turning around to face her father with an exaggerated look of mock offense. "Who's to say I would?"

Rick raised an eyebrow at her, clearly unconvinced. "You mean to tell me you'd hold your tongue if Gregory said something condescending to you?"

Alyssa smirked. "Okay, fine, but maybe I'd wait till after dinner to do it."

Glenn snorted from behind them, shaking his head. "Yeah, Maggie's definitely the best option here."

Maggie sighed but nodded. "Alright, I'll talk to him. But if he pulls anything too smug, you'll have to hold me back too."

Jesus chuckled from the front of the group, his voice light. "Gregory's not everyone's favorite, but he does mean well... most of the time."

Daryl muttered under his breath, "He's gonna need more than good intentions if he keeps actin' like that."

Alyssa shot Daryl a grin before turning back to Rick. "See? I'm not the only one ready to throw hands."