mi

g had been

eeting. The room had been filled with minions in designer suits, each one agitating to prove their loyalty to me while carefully sideste

me. It was the subtle, lingering doubt I'd seen in their eyes. ''Does he still have it The unspoken

father's old advice echoed in my mind, thoug

mia

led me out of my t

my father's oldest friends, a connection she never hesitated to exploit. Her dark auburn hair fell in glos

curving into a practiced smile as she

ed disinterest. Eleanor was beautiful, and she knew it but not my type. But she also

t," I finally said

"You work too hard, Damian. You need to let someone take care of

bubbling under the surface. "I do

do you? Always so focused on work. I wonder what it would take to distract you."

the las

to move back. "I need coffee,"

started, but I

ow, El

rds to stay behind. For once, I wanted space to breathe wit

#

of the city. I ordered a black coffee and found a seat by the windo

ng to ease. Staring at my phone and going through some photos my father had sent me while he was

ce broke through my thoughts. My eyes flic

s her voice carried through the room. For a moment, I simply watched, taking in the way her chestnut hair f

hing odd-her ears. T

endearing about how easily her emotions played out on her face. But before I c

it hit me.

a E

e spat, her tone dr

liberate sip of my coffee. "Miss Evans

t tremble in her hand as she gripped her coffee c

but cutting. "People like you think you can walk

dering to the way her jaw tightened whe

guard, but before I could

across my chest, soa

wasn't nearly as sharp as the sting to my pride. My gaze snapped b

I muttered, st

dn't me

mly enough to guide her toward the door. The last thing I needed

wd that had begun to gather nearby. I couldn't risk any more att

," I said, my vo

tormed off, slipping into my c

#

further. I pushed open the door, only to find my father

one neutral but tinged with

I said curtly, b

bout. Me getting a wife is all

keep going on like this," he said, his voice softening. "You've buil

, staring out th

ntinued. "I was there, Damian. I saw w

er man-had walked out on us when I was only ten. She'd never loved me, not really. I'd spen

" I said quietl

placed a hand on my shoulder. "There's an art gallery opening thi

d, and he didn'

im, I sank into my chair, staring

re luxuries I couldn't afford. The