章 47: Doubt

Damien

I watch Riley across the table, her face lit by the soft glow of candlelight, a faint smile playing on her lips. Tonight is a celebration, a night to mark her victory over Callum, reclaiming her father's legacy. It's a monumental win, and she deserves every second of it. She's finally back in control, finally out of that bastard's grasp.

But as I watch her, I start to notice a tension in her posture, something different in the way she's holding herself. She's barely touched her wine, and her gaze keeps flicking down to her hands, almost as if she's avoiding looking at me.

Something's off.

"Riley," I say, leaning forward, my voice low. "You're quiet tonight."

She looks up, startled, and then forces a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Just… processing everything, I guess."