The grandfather's gaze was a weight, a blade, a judgment Yu could feel pressing into his very bones. Those sharp eyes flicked from Theo to Yu, then back again, measuring every detail as though he were appraising an investment rather than acknowledging a future granddaughter-in-law.
"How did you meet?"
His tone was clipped, perfunctory.
Theo's grip on Yu's hand tightened—subtle, firm, warning him to stay silent.
"Through Joy."
Theo answered smoothly, voice as polished as marble.
"She and Yu were close from childhood."
Yu's heart lurched at the sound of the name Yu—like a lightning strike in the middle of the lie. He prayed the old man had not noticed, that his brilliant, brittle smile hadn't cracked yet but was dangerously close to.
The grandfather's brow furrowed faintly, but he said nothing, simply moved to the next cut.
"And her family status?"
"Average."
