"And what exactly is that?" A deep voice cut through their conversation, causing both men to turn. Their father, Herbert Blackwood, approached with a sharp, probing gaze that demanded answers.Oswald instinctively took a step back as Herbert drew closer."Father," he muttered, his eyes meeting Herbert’s before shifting to Marcellus and Roderick, who stood just behind their father.Herbert’s gaze hardened as he looked at Oswald. "What are you trying to teach your brother? That he should be soft? He’s not a kid anymore, for crying out loud—he's an adult now! He needs to get his hands dirty because that's what the Blackwood family is about!" Herbert spat out the words, his tone cold. "I was a fool to listen to you and keep him confined to the legal business. From now on, he’ll be involved in both the legal and illegal sides of our work." His voice was final, each word punctuated with simmering anger.Oswald didn’t flinch. "I wasn't telling him to be soft, Father. I was saying he has a ch

Edwin yawned deeply, his hand rising sluggishly to cover his mouth as he stumbled out of bed. Each movement seemed to cost him a great deal of effort, his entire demeanor heavy with exhaustion. “I’ll be there shortly,” he muttered, his voice barely rising above a whisper, as if even speaking was too much to ask of him at this hour.Bridget watched him closely, her expression softening with worry. She tilted her head slightly, studying his face, the creases of concern deepening around her eyes. “Is everything alright, Edwin?” she asked gently, her tone as delicate as her gaze.“Why do you ask?” he replied, a note of irritation slipping into his voice as he cast a sidelong glance at her, his brows furrowing.“You seem… a bit off,” she continued, choosing her words carefully. “Stressed, maybe even troubled. It’s as if something heavy is weighing on your mind,” she observed, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what might be wrong.“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,” he replied short