She stood up and walked to the window to take the call, distancing herself from the dining table.
"Come home with Merrick tomorrow. I have something important to discuss with you."
Oriana replied calmly, "He's busy."
"Fine. I'll send someone to pick you up."
After hanging up, Oriana felt a twinge of suspicion. Her father's tone had been unusually serious, and he had mentioned that someone named Cassian Hargrave would come to escort her tomorrow.
When she returned to the table, Merrick immediately asked, "Who was that?"
"It's none of your business."
Oriana's curt response ignited a surge of anger in Merrick's chest.
Clenching his jaw, he replied in a low, menacing tone, "Fine. See you tomorrow. Just don't be late."
Oriana let out a cold laugh and said indifferently, "Of course not.
