Rylan's POV

I knocked on the study door, my knuckles drumming slowly. The muffled voices inside grew louder, and I felt my brow furrow in concern. I knew he was meeting with someone, and I gripped the white envelope to my chest, my heart racing with anticipation. The door swung open, and my father stood before me, his eyes blazing fiercely. My gaze darted across the room to Daniella, trembling in her seat, her eyes welling up with tears.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise as I turned back to my father. "Father, may I have a word?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. He softened, his expression...