The inner dining room was a feast for the senses-crystal chandeliers cast warm light over a sprawling table laden with an array of dishes. Platter

d inside. His mother, Eleanor Aurelius, gestured graciously to the seats. "Please,

ension in his jaw. It was the same tension she'd noticed lately, paired with his late-night calls and di

her, Victor Aurelius, sat at the head of the table, his imposing presence commanding a

"To new friendships," she said with a warm sm

uit, though her fingers tightened slightly around the stem. She didn't t

bisque. Conversation began to flow, carefully po

ndy, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. "

th a polite smile. "I help peopl

back slightly. "Inter

cing a flicker of curiosity in Damian'

vanished, replaced by a hardened, disapproving look. He stared at Damia

ately. "Is there a problem?" sh

pend her time tackling syndicates and criminal organizations? Your blog has c

osing corruption and injustice as 'stirring up trouble.' I believe it's

een his father and Wendy, an intrigued smirk tugging at h

assionate about her work, Victor," she said, her voice warm and diplomatic.

a light laugh. "Exactly. But let's not let serious talk dominate such a l

uld still feel Victor's gaze on her. She took a sip of her wine, her mind racing. This

-Damian leaned across the table toward Wendy. "So, Wendy, do yo

t I write against the corrupt practices of individuals

ice low enough that only she could hear. "Interesting name. Makes

pression neutral. "If you think so," she said

d, his smirk widening. "I'll ha

. enlightening," Wendy rep

cut through the tension. "Damian, don't hog o

uietly to her father. The undercurrent of secrecy and power hung thick in the

amian fell into step beside her. "You're not easi

ndy shot back, he

ng and impressed. "Not yet. But w

. Tonight had been more revealing than she had anticipated. "Mum,