"You—!" Takamura's voice was low and gravelly. "You refuse to take command of the Eastern faction, again?"
Ryusuke's voice was steady. "I said I'll take it after the wedding. I won't have Nori or the baby caught in any mess."
Takamura sneered, eyes narrowing. "So what if it's dangerous? That's what makes a real man—one who protects his family by leading, not hiding behind it."
Ayaka's lips pressed into a thin line. He nudged Nori gently, urging him to stay quiet and composed. Nori, watching from the corner, could feel the tension flooding the room. It wasn't just about him or the baby—this was deeper. A clash between old ideals and a new way of living.
Ryusuke's jaw tensed. "I am protecting my family. Just not your way."
"And what way is that?" Takamura barked. "Running from responsibility? Shaming the bloodline by putting your omega before duty?"
Ryusuke stepped forward, unshaken. "Putting Nori first is my duty. If you can't respect that, that's your problem, not mine."
