The tension between Damian and his father simmered just beneath the surface, a silent battle of wills playing out between them.
"What do you think you're doing bringing that girl here?" Rafael's voice was low but sharp, laced with barely restrained anger. He sat behind his desk, fingers steepled together as he stared at his son who leaned casually against the doorframe, looking utterly unbothered. "You know what her father did to me. To us. That man is the reason we almost lost everything–he embezzled–"
"Father," Damian cut in, his voice calm but firm. "You and I both know that's not the truth. So you can stop with the lies."
Rafael's mouth snapped shut. His jaw tightened, but no words came out.
Damian let out a bored sigh. "If all of this is just an attempt to break me and Crescentia up, you can forget it. I love her."
