Chapter 32 – The Shadow of the Past
747 Words
Elena stood frozen, her heart pounding as she took in the imposing man before her.
Damon’s father.
It wasn’t just his presence that sent chills through her—it was the way he looked at Damon, as if evaluating him rather than welcoming him.
Like a man weighing his investment.
Damon’s posture was rigid, his expression unreadable, but Elena sensed the tension simmering beneath the surface.
She had seen Damon Blackwell in every shade of control—calm, ruthless, dominant.
But this?
This was different.
This was personal.
“Elena.” Damon’s father leaned back in his chair, finally acknowledging her. His sharp gaze swept over her, calculated and cold. “I see my son has brought company.”
His tone made it clear—she wasn’t welcome here.
Elena squared her shoulders, refusing to shrink under his scrutiny. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Blackwell.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, though there was no warmth in it. “Polite. Unusual, considering the kind of people my son usually surrounds himself with.”
Damon’s jaw ticked. “We didn’t come here for small talk.”
His father’s smirk faded, replaced by something colder. “No, I suppose you didn’t.”
A heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of years unspoken between them pressing in.
Elena wanted to understand what had created this distance—what had turned a father and son into near strangers.
But now wasn’t the time for questions.
Damon took a step closer to his father’s desk. “I assume you already know why I’m here.”
His father laced his fingers together, regarding him with a look of calculated amusement. “I was wondering how long it would take before you crawled back.”
Elena flinched at the cruel words, but Damon’s expression remained unreadable.
“I didn’t crawl,” he said flatly.
His father chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. “Of course not. Damon Blackwell never crawls, does he?” His gaze flicked at Elena. “But tell me, son—do you really think bringing her here strengthens your position?”
Damon’s fingers twitched at his sides, and for the first time, Elena saw it—
A crack in his armor.
His father knew exactly where to strike.
And he enjoyed doing it.
“I didn’t bring her here for you,” Damon said coolly. “Elena stays because she’s mine.”
Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine.
Possessive.
Unyielding.
His father arched a brow. “Yours?” He studied her again, this time with mild interest. “You’ve never been the type to keep a woman around. What makes this one so special?”
Elena’s stomach twisted. She wasn’t naive—she knew exactly what Damon’s father was trying to do.
He wanted to belittle her. To make her feel insignificant.
To test Damon.
Damon’s voice was like steel. “Elena is not up for discussion.”
His father leaned back, eyes gleaming. “Ah. I see.” A pause. “So this is about control, then? A game, just like everything else in your life?”
Elena’s pulse quickened.
She turned to Damon, but his expression was cold, unreadable.
“I don’t play games,” Damon said smoothly. “Not with her.”
His father chuckled. “How noble.” Then, his tone sharpened. “But you’re here because you need something, aren’t you?”
Damon’s jaw tightened. “I want the records.”
Elena frowned. Records? What records?
His father exhaled slowly, as if bored. “Ah, yes. Your mother’s old accounts.”
Shock rippled through Elena.
His mother?
Damon had never mentioned her before.
Not once.
His father sighed, rising from his chair. “Why now, Damon? You’ve ignored everything tied to her for years.”
Damon’s voice was clipped. “That’s my business.”
His father watched him for a moment before shaking his head. “You really are your mother’s son.”
Damon’s entire body tensed. “Don’t.”
His father only smirked, as if pleased to have finally gotten under his skin.
Elena’s chest tightened. She could feel the raw energy radiating from Damon, his usual cold detachment cracking.
This wasn’t just a confrontation.
This was a battle for control.
And for the first time, Elena wondered—
What exactly had Damon’s father done to him?
And what would it cost him to take back his power?
---
- Writer
