Meanwhile, in Damien's office, the air was thick with an awkward warmth that only family reunions could carry. Gordon Lancaster—powerful, composed, and still exuding the kind of confidence that filled a room—stepped forward and pulled his eldest son into a firm embrace.
"It's good to see you, Dad. How are you?" Damien asked, his voice softening in a rare show of vulnerability.
"I'm pretty well, if I may say so myself," Gordon replied, straightening his jacket. Then, with a heavy sigh, he added, "Just deeply disappointed in one of my sons."
Damien exhaled, shoulders dropping. "Dad…" he began, his tone edged with the familiar exhaustion that came from years of refereeing his father and brother.
"What did he do this time?" Gordon pressed, leaning on the edge of the desk like he owned the
