16

16

One hour later,

*In the Hawthorne mansion*

Derek slammed the door behind him, his face flushed with anger. His fists clenched as he stormed into the living room, barely noticing the expensive furniture around him. The house was silent, but his rage filled the space.

"This is unbelievable!" Derek growled, pacing back and forth. "He was supposed to be in jail! Allvar was supposed to be finished!"

Derek paced the room, his anger simmering beneath the surface. His fists clenched, his breathing shallow as he struggled to control the frustration boiling within him.

"Fuck it!" he muttered, barely noticing the sharp creak of the door opening behind him.

Victor, his father, stepped in, the older man’s presence immediately commanding attention. His graying hair and impeccable suit were symbols of authority, but the coldness in his eyes was what truly unsettled Derek.

He had heard what happened.

“Do you realize what kind of mess you’ve made, Derek?” Victor’s voice was calm, but there