"And who are you to dictate terms to me, Adrien?" he sneered, taking a step closer, his imposing frame filling my vision. "You think your mother's simpering and your newfound… attachment… can change my mind? I built this empire with a clear head, not sentimentality, and I will decide its future. And the future of my son's wife."
He paused, leaning in conspiratorially, his breath smelling of stale smoke and entitlement. "She is a means to an end, Adrien. A temporary solution. Nothing more. Do not mistake my tolerance for acceptance. This is business. And in business, sentiment is a liability. You'll understand once that charm she did on you fades."
My mother's grip tightened on my arm. "Henry, please," she whispered, her voice strained.
"And you, Elise," he turned to her, a dismissive wave of his hand. "You always were too eager to please. Too easily swayed by pretty faces and empty words. You've coddled him enough."
