Ethan sat silently at the breakfast table with his father. The morning felt heavier than usual. Victor sipped his coffee, eyeing his son before finally speaking.
Victor: "What's wrong, Ethan? You called me so early. And I'm very upset with you—you didn't attend the board meeting yesterday."
Ethan looked up, his face void of any expression.
Ethan: "Dad… why are you doing this to me?"
Victor paused, his gaze sharp.
Victor: "What are you talking about?"
Ethan (calm but hurt): "You arranged my meeting with that model, Tiara. You manipulated Miles—made it look like I was dating her. You buried me in company work so I couldn't spend time with him."
Victor (coldly): "Son, what are you saying?"
Ethan (voice cracking with frustration): "Don't pretend like you don't know. I thought you were finally happy about our relationship, but now... you're just trying to separate us with these cheap tricks."
Victor's eyes narrowed.
Victor: "Did that boy put these ideas in your head?"
