The silence that settled between them was dense, almost tangible. Not even the air conditioning—usually steady and precise—seemed capable of easing the tension building beneath Liam’s skin as he faced his grandfather.

Frederico remained still, yet his presence filled the entire room—upright posture, hands clasped behind his back, the unwavering gaze of a man who had built empires without ever fearing confrontation.

Liam held his ground, unshaken. Inside, however, something tightened—a sharp, pr