The silence after Richard Voss’ words felt unbearable.
Cold night air moved quietly through the street, but none of them seemed to notice it anymore.
Caleb stood calmly beside Elara, his expression controlled as always, though she could feel tension building underneath it now.
Her father looked furious.
Not loud.
Not emotional.
Worse.
Controlled disappointment.
“Elara,” Richard said carefully, “get inside the car.”
“No.”
The answer shocked even her slightly.
Her father’s eyes narrowed. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Something sharp moved through her chest.
“No,” she replied quietly. “I’m embarrassing you.”
The silence that followed turned dangerous instantly.
Richard rarely lost composure, but Elara saw the exact moment irritation flashed across his face.
“You have no idea
