"Stay here," Nathaniel said firmly, his hand on my arm as we stood in Mrs. Johnson's hospital room. The way his eyes hardened told me this wasn't a suggestion.
"But I should—"
"Trust me on this, Juliana." His voice dropped lower. "Uncle Jasper isn't someone you want to face unprepared."
I nodded reluctantly, watching as Nathaniel squared his shoulders and stepped into the corridor, closing the door behind him. Through the small window, I could see Uncle Jasper's imposing figure waiting, flanked by Imogen and Liam who hovered like eager vultures.
The moment the door clicked shut, Imogen's smug voice carried through. "Uncle Jasper, I was just telling you about the Ricardo company's recent—"
"Silence." The old man's command cut through the air like a blade.
I pressed closer to the window, watching as Uncle Jasper fixed his penetrating gaze on my husband. Nathaniel stood tall, unflinching under that scrutiny.
