Silas's POV
I had intended to approach this situation with patience, but circumstances had made that luxury impossible. The child I believed was mine turned out to be a lie, while the son I never knew existed had appeared with a woman determined to keep me at arm's length.
Her breathing came through the phone in broken patterns. Each inhale sounded forced, like she was fighting to maintain composure. I understood this conversation would be difficult, especially considering what she had endured. Vesta had abandoned her with an infant, leaving her to navigate motherhood completely alone.
The thought made my jaw clench. That worthless woman had dared to walk away from a child who carried my bloodline.
"I never say things I don't mean, and I assure you, I am completely serious," I said, each word deliberately measured and clear.
