The day began like any other gray clouds hanging low over the Voss estate, wind whispering warnings through the trees.
But something in the air felt... wrong.
Damien felt it in his bones.
Aria was still resting upstairs under bed rest, guarded and cocooned from the outside world. She hadn't spoken much since the confrontation with her mother.
He didn't blame her.
But now, Damien had a storm of his own to face.
The elevator door opened.
Marcus stood stiffly in the grand foyer, flanked by two security guards.
And between them stood a tall man with silver-streaked hair, a tailored black coat, and eyes just like Damien'snbut colder. Emptier.
"Hello, son," said Harrison Voss.
Damien didn't move. "You don't belong here."
Harrison gave a lazy smile. "That's no way to greet your father after fifteen years."
"You stopped being my father the day you walked out and left my mother to die alone."
Marcus stepped forward. "Sir, we can escort him out—"
"No," Damien said, voice low. "I want to hear what he wants. Then I'll decide if he leaves walking or in a body bag."
Harrison chuckled. "Still dramatic. Good. That'll help you survive what's coming."
They moved into Damien's office.
No handshakes. No warmth.
Just silence.
Until Harrison placed a folder on the table between them.
"Your wife is pregnant," he said. "Congratulations."
Damien didn't flinch. "What do you want?"
Harrison sat down slowly. "The board of Voss International is panicking. You've tied our empire to a scandal. Contract marriage. Media frenzy. Leaked documents."
"It's none of your concern."
"I built this empire," Harrison said sharply. "You inherited it on a silver platter and poisoned it with emotions."
Damien's eyes narrowed. "Is that why you want back in? To 'save' us?"
"No," Harrison said with a smirk. "I want control again. And the board is listening. They want stability. You've become… unpredictable."
Damien leaned back. "Let me guess. You're working with Kieran Maddox."
Harrison didn't deny it.
He smiled instead. "We both want the same thing. The Voss name untouched. Untarnished. And your little rebellion is putting that at risk."
Damien's voice dropped. "Aria isn't part of your empire. And neither is our child."
"But they will be," Harrison said. "Whether you like it or not. Because I'm filing a motion for partial control over Voss Holdings. And I'll win."
Upstairs, Aria stirred.
She had a strange, uneasy feeling like the house itself had shifted. Like something dark had entered and refused to leave.
She stood, ignoring the doctor's warning, and stepped to the hallway.
That's when she heard it.
Voices.
One deep and smooth. The other low and deadly.
And then she saw him.
A man with sharp eyes and a cruel smile, stepping out of Damien's office.
He looked up straight at her.
And smiled.
"You must be the wife," he said pleasantly. "I'm Harrison. Damien's father."
Aria's blood froze.
Damien appeared behind him, jaw clenched. "Go back to your room, Aria."
But Harrison kept his gaze on her. "You've caused quite a stir, young lady. Tell me how does it feel to be the most expensive contract in the city?"
Aria's lips parted. "Get out of this house."
"Careful," Harrison said smoothly. "You're not untouchable. Not anymore."
Damien stepped in. "That's enough."
Harrison turned, buttoning his coat. "You've got a baby on the way, Damien. And a target on your back. Let's hope you're smart enough to know which one matters more."
And with that, he walked out leaving silence behind like smoke.
Later that evening, Aria and Damien sat in the bedroom.
"He's worse than I imagined," she whispered.
Damien stared out the window, eyes distant. "He was never a father. Only a man who wanted power."
"What will he do?"
"He'll manipulate the board. He'll dig into your past. Use your pregnancy against me. And if he can't control the child…"
Aria's eyes widened. "He'll try to take it."
Damien finally looked at her. "He won't win. Not this time."
She reached for his hand. "Then let's fight back. Together."
Meanwhile, at an upscale bar downtown, Harrison Voss met with Kieran Maddox.
They didn't shake hands.
They just sat, two wolves sharing territory.
"She's emotional," Harrison said. "That's her weakness."
Kieran nodded. "And Damien? His is her."
Harrison smirked. "Then we'll break them where it hurts most."