She greeted her father first, offering a composed smile that barely concealed the nerves tightening in her chest.
“Dad,” Cathie said evenly, “this is Rowan Hales… my fiancé.”
Then, turning slightly toward him, she added just as calmly, “And Rowan, this is my father.”
Rowan inclined his head politely, a restrained, respectful gesture that spoke of composure and control. His calm was almost infuriating. Cathie glanced at him, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips as her brow twitched briefly before she redirected that same smile toward her father, masking everything she felt beneath it.
Silence settled heavily over the table.
Dylan Valente leaned back in his chair, studying the man beside his daughter with sharp, assessing eyes. His gaze moved from Cathie to Rowan, then lingered. Fina
