Helen looked at him carefully now. “And your father?” Daniel’s expression shifted slightly. “My father notices everything.” That answer alone told her enough. Wonderful, this was absolutely wonderful. Helen glanced down at herself again, elegant black dress. Minimal jewelry, simple but expensive heels. Perfect and professional quite composed. Exactly the kind of woman who should make a good first impression. Except for one issue. She was not the woman Katherine Kyle wanted for her son. And Helen already knew it. The Kyles moved in elite circles, old money, traditional influence. Controlled appearances. Daniel was supposed to marry someone who seemed younger, polished and soft-spoken. Easy to present at charity galas and business dinners. Not Helen Milton. Not a woman known for boardroom brutality and cold intelligence, or someone coming from a family whose integrity is being questioned by the entire city. Whose influence isn't what it used to be

That line shifted the atmosphere again, that even Katherine went quiet briefly. Helen’s voice remained calm. “They think we’re too ambitious, too intimidating and cold... too sharp once we stop fitting whatever fantasy society prefers.” Daniel’s jaw tightened because he could hear the exhaustion hidden beneath her composure now. Helen continued softly. “So trust me, Mrs. Kyle. Your reaction tonight wasn’t surprising.” For the first time since dinner began, Katherine actually looked uncomfortable, just slightly though. But Daniel noticed immediately. “You judged her before she even spoke.” Katherine looked at him sharply. “And you’re blinded because you’re emotionally attached.” “No,” Daniel replied. “I just actually know her.” Mr. Kyle suddenly stood slowly from the table. “That’s enough for tonight.” Katherine looked irritated. “We’re in the middle of a conversation.” “No,” he corrected calmly. “We’re in the middle of a disaster.” Daniel exhaled he

Katherine Kyle did not sleep that night. She lay awake in the massive master bedroom staring toward the dark ceiling while rain rolled softly against the windows outside. Beside her, Kyle adjusted slightly against the pillows before finally speaking into the silence. “You were quite harsh, Katie.” Katherine gave a quiet laugh. “You mean honest.” “I mean harsh.” She turned her head slightly toward him. “You saw her.” “Yes.” “And?” Kyle exhaled slowly. “She’s not what I expected.” “That’s exactly the problem.” “No,” he corrected calmly. “That’s exactly why Daniel is attached.” Katherine fell silent again. Because unfortunately, that was true. Helen Milton was not forgettable, not in personality, not in presence and not in intelligence. Even Katherine had to admit that much. The woman carried herself with terrifying composure. No desperation, no need for approval and no awkward attempts to impress them. And somehow that unsettled Katherine more

Daniel looked at her slightly again. That line hit differently. Katherine leaned forward slightly. “And what does it cost?” Helen met her gaze. “Peace.” Silence. Daniel blinked. Katherine didn’t speak immediately. Helen continued softly. “Daniel doesn’t enter people’s lives quietly.” A small glance toward him. “He changes things.” Daniel sighed. “That sounds like a complaint.” “It isn’t.” Katherine studied her carefully now. “And you still choose him?” Helen answered simply. “Yes.” No hesitation this time. Daniel looked at her. And this time, there was something softer in his expression. Katherine leaned back slowly. For the first time, she wasn’t speaking as an attacker. She was listening, then she said something unexpected. “You didn’t fight me last time.” Helen blinked. Katherine continued. “You could have.” “I didn’t think it was necessary.” “That’s not weakness.” Helen replied calmly. “No.” Katherine exhaled sl

“That wasn’t your fault.” His eyes darkened slightly. “He got close enough to put you in danger. That makes it my fault.” Cassandra stared at him for several seconds before sighing heavily. “You know, normal people would probably just say ‘I’m glad you’re okay.’” “I already know you’re okay.” “No, you’re checking every five minutes like I’m a patient in a hospital.” Princewill looked completely serious. “Do you want me to call a doctor?” Cassandra burst into laughter before covering her face. “You cannot be real.” One of the guards near the entrance suddenly coughed to hide his own laughter. Princewill slowly looked toward him. The guard immediately straightened. “Sorry, boss.” Cassandra laughed harder. Princewill looked back at her with mild irritation. “What’s funny?” “You!” she said between laughs. “You genuinely thought I needed a doctor because I said you were overprotective.” “You were shaking earlier.” “Because I was cold.” “You should’ve said th