Laurel was stunned. She turned her head and stared at Aaron in silence. The man was looking down, not looking at her. His gaze lost in his own thoughts.

“Do you know how I felt at that time?” Aaron smiled bitterly. “I came with all my arrogance and confidence, feeling powerful and having everything, feeling I could buy someone an apology, but I was wrong. You made me realize that time. When you said that I was a lowly human with no self-respect, hiding behind my father's power, you were absolutely right.”

Aaron sighed. “I came home fully aware, like I was slapped to wake.”

The man finally looked at...