Jayden set the glass down harder than necessary.
The sharp clink cut through the chatter like a warning signal, making every head turn his way. Water sloshed slightly over the rim, leaving a small dark circle on the polished wood table.
He exhaled slowly, his chest rising and falling in a deliberate rhythm as he steadied himself, then lifted his gaze to scan the table—his eyes meeting each face in turn, calm but unyielding.
“Rest assured,” he said, his voice calm but carrying weight that made even Rosa pause. “I can provide for Jane. We have everything we need.”
A beat of silence stretched across the table—then Rosa let out a sharp scoff, leaning back in her chair as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Pfft. Love swindlers are everywhere these days,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.
