Derek's POV
The tension at dinner had reached a breaking point. I set down my fork with deliberate force, the metallic clink echoing through the uncomfortable silence.
"I want everyone to pack up and head home. This isn't some family vacation," I said, my voice cutting through the air like a blade.
My patience had worn thin over the past few days. What was supposed to be a straightforward work assignment had turned into a circus, with my entire family treating this place like their personal resort.
"I was assigned to handle this case alone, and instead I've got all of you breathing down my neck, interfering with everything I do." The words came out sharper than I intended, but I was past caring about diplomacy.
Serena let out a bitter laugh, not even bothering to look up from her barely touched plate. "Work? Is that what we're calling this now?"
