Lilian's POV
The phone buzzed against my palm, and I glanced at the caller ID with growing dread. My father's name flashed across the screen, accompanied by that sickeningly familiar tone he always used when he wanted something.
"Lilian, sweetheart," his voice oozed through the speaker with practiced charm. "How are you doing? Still spending time with that Augusto fellow?"
The false warmth in his voice made my skin crawl. I knew exactly what was coming.
"What do you want?" I cut straight through his act, my voice flat with resignation.
"Now, don't be like that, princess. Your old man just had a little stumble in business, that's all. Got involved with some investors on a promising venture, but things went sideways. Lost a bit of capital in the process."
My heart plummeted to my stomach. "You're in debt again."
