Back at the mansion deep in the woods, the air inside the interrogation room felt heavy, thick with tension Luke could almost taste.
Luke stood frozen, his heart pounding after Gerald’s words.
Your father.
Before Luke could react, Gerald spoke again, his voice firm and commanding.
“The girl should leave us,” he said calmly. “What I have to say concerns only you.”
Luke’s jaw tightened instantly.
“No,” he said sharply. “Sofia is not going anywhere. If you want to say something, say it in front of her.”
Sofia’s fingers curled into the back of Luke’s shirt. She didn’t move.
For a moment, Gerald studied Luke—really studied him. Then, slowly, he exhaled.
“So be it.”
He turned and walked toward the chair, sitting down like a man carrying centuries of weight. His gaze softened, just a li
