Mr. Davenport walked into Mr. Wolfe’s study with heavy steps. The room was large and intimidating, the walls lined with bookshelves and expensive artwork. Wolfe sat behind his grand desk, his sharp eyes fixed on Davenport as he entered.
“Davenport,” Wolfe said, his tone cold. “Have a seat.”
Davenport hesitated but eventually sat down across from him. His hands were clammy, and he rubbed them nervously on his trousers.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Davenport began, trying to keep his voice steady.
Wolfe leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “What do you want?” he asked bluntly.
Davenport cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “It’s about our children’s marriage,” he said carefully. “I believe… it’s not working out. Perhaps we should consider ending it before things get worse.”
Wolfe raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
“You see,” Davenport continued, “Lina hasn’t been happy. And Damian, well, he doesn’t seem interested in making this marriage work either. I think it would be best for everyone if we ended it peacefully.”
Wolfe’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
“You think I don’t know my own son?” Wolfe said, his voice calm but dangerous. “Damian never wanted this marriage in the first place. I forced him into it, Davenport. He’s made it very clear how he feels about your daughter.”
Davenport swallowed hard, his face flushing with embarrassment. “Well, yes,” he said weakly. “But Lina thought… over time… maybe Damian would come to care for her.”
Wolfe leaned forward, his piercing gaze making Davenport squirm. “Let me save you the trouble,” he said coldly. “That was never going to happen. Damian will never love Lina. He never wanted her, and he never will.”
Davenport opened his mouth to respond, but Wolfe cut him off.
“And now,” Wolfe continued, his voice icy, “your daughter has made the situation even worse. Do you think I don’t know what she did?”
Davenport froze, his hands gripping the arms of the chair. “I’m not sure what you mean,” he said nervously.
Wolfe’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t insult my intelligence,” he said sharply. “Lina drugged Damian. She put something in his drink that nearly killed him. And you think I don’t know?”
—
Davenport’s face went pale, and he stammered, “I… I didn’t know she would go that far. I swear, I had no idea!”
Wolfe’s lips twisted into a grim smile. “Of course you didn’t,” he said mockingly. “You’ve been too busy coddling her, letting her do whatever she pleases without consequence.”
“She’s my daughter,” Davenport said defensively. “I was only trying to protect her.”
“Protect her?” Wolfe said, his voice rising. “You’ve spoiled her, Davenport. And now she’s a danger to everyone around her.”
Davenport lowered his head, his voice trembling. “I didn’t mean for this to happen,” he said quietly.
Wolfe leaned back in his chair, his expression cold. “Intentions mean nothing to me,” he said. “What matters are the consequences. Damian could have died because of Lina’s stupidity.”
Davenport swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I’ll take her away,” he said quickly. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t cause any more trouble. Please, let’s end this marriage quietly.”
Wolfe raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. “You think I care about this marriage?” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, it should have ended the day it began.”
Davenport blinked, surprised. “You… you’re not going to fight this?” he asked hesitantly.
“No,” Wolfe said flatly. “I approve of the divorce. Damian never wanted Lina, and now he has every reason to hate her. Let her go, Davenport. She’s no longer my concern.”
Relief washed over Davenport, but it was quickly replaced by guilt. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I’ll handle everything. Lina will stay far away from your family. I promise.”
Wolfe leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. “See that you do,” he said. “Because if she ever causes trouble for my son again, there won’t be a conversation next time.”
Davenport nodded quickly, his face pale. “I understand,” he said. “Thank you for your… understanding.”
Wolfe smirked, his eyes cold. “Don’t mistake my approval for forgiveness,” he said. “Lina has burned every bridge with this family. I’m only letting this go because Damian deserves peace.”
Davenport stood slowly, his legs shaky. “I appreciate your kindness,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
Wolfe waved a hand dismissively. “Get out,” he said. “And take care of your daughter before she destroys someone else’s life.”
Davenport hurried out of the room, his heart pounding in his chest. Wolfe watched him go, a faint smirk on his lips. He had let Davenport off the hook for now, but his mind was already turning toward his next move.
He stepped out of his study, the weight of the conversation heavy on his shoulders. The mansion was quiet, the long hallways dimly lit by soft sconces on the walls. As Wolfe walked to his room, his mind churned with thoughts of Damian and the chaos caused by this ill-fated marriage.
“Damian never wanted this,” he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with regret. “Maybe I pushed too hard.”
He reached his bedroom door and paused, his hand resting on the doorknob. For the first time in years, Wolfe felt a flicker of guilt. He had forced Damian into this marriage for power and alliances, but now it had brought nothing but pain.
As he opened the door and stepped inside, Wolfe resolved to fix this mess-for his son’s sake. Damian deserved better, and Wolfe knew it was time to let go of his own ambitions for the sake of his family.