n, my

familiar, and laced

is making his way through t

s a man whose presence filled any room. He clapped

ook at you. The countr

tion. He was blissfully unaware of t

ced between Ethan and Sophia, who ha

was just telling Sophia's mother the other day, it's time we finall

om another time, from a l

y promises, of a strategic u

went

ushing with a mixture of embarrassment

a sweep of his hand, a man completely

or a son-in-law. Now that he's back from his... little break.

ests, reasserting his authority and

he had to e

n his hip and looked Mr.

respectful b

the thought, I truly do.

the weight of his

aid, gesturing with his chin toward t

ed like a bomb in th

kled with st

with confusion. He looked from Ethan's earn

his voice dropping. "Wh

ered and exp

ed grace evaporated, repl

hoving Ethan with both hands. "You're doing this

s unexpected

ep, his arms tightening

red his son, and Leo le

shh, it's okay, Leo. Daddy's got you. You're safe."

e child seemed to en

onstructed socialite was gone, replaced by a petulant, cruel child.

eality back to her will, but the truth was already out