"Why can't I claim it?" Hadrian sneered, his expression twisting into one of sheer disgust as he shot a venomous glance at Leroy. "And who are you to advise me, bastard?"
Lorraine stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, the muscle of restrained anger tightening beneath her skin. How dare he speak to her husband that way?
Before she could raise her hand in righteous fury, his eyes shifted, slowly and deliberately, and landed on her. A smirk curled on his battered lips, cold and cruel.
"I made you, didn't I?" Hadrian said, venom dripping from every word. "Only because of me, you're standing here… tall, defiant, daring to turn your nose up at me…"
