Dolphus’s deep eyes locked onto Richard. His aura pressed heavily on the room, making the air thick.
Richard choked back the rising lump and lowered the tablet’s glow beneath his trembling hand. His shoulders tightened as he braced himself against the Dolphus’s pressure.
“Sir,” Collins said, bowing slightly, “because of your bloodline, the Elders do not wish for you to have any more dealings with Elena. For years you’ve defied their orders for her, even lifting the Hamilton family when others demanded their fall. The chairman’s patience matters. If you continue to reject the mate-bond arrangement they set for you, your claim to lead the Farringtons' company will face obstacles.”
Dolphus said nothing.
Richard kept his eyes low, but his thoughts churned. Dolphus had shielded Elena count
