“Where’s Father?”

William’s voice echoed down the grand corridor of the Hartford family estate, slicing through the stillness like a blade. His footsteps were firm, his tailored suit still impeccable from the press conference, but his eyes burned with fury.

A house servant flinched, almost speaking, but a deep voice cut through the silence from the main study.

“In here, William.”

The door to the study stood open. His father stood by the tall window, arms folded, his breath slow and composed—always trying to look in control, even when storms raged around him.

William entered, closing the door behind him with a slam that rattled the walls.

“You already know...