Chapter 237: Piece By Piece
The air had grown heavier the moment dessert was cleared. Laughter and conversation dwindled, replaced by the weight of anticipation. Richard set down his wine glass with finality, his sharp gaze sweeping across the table and landing on Greg, Cammy, and Ric.
"Now," Richard said, rising with quiet authority, "if you’re done, follow me to my office. We need to discuss the DNA test... and talk more about the future."
He didn’t wait for confirmation. With the command of a king, he turned and strode out of the dining room, his steps echoing against the marble floor.
Greg stood silently and followed, his expression unreadable.
Cammy, heart thudding, wiped her mouth and took a slow sip of water. Her hand trembled slightly as she placed the glass down. She glanced at Ric, who gave her a gentle nod, then rose beside her.
"You’re not alone in this," Ric whispered, his voice a low current of strength.
She nodded once and followed Richard and Greg down the long corridor, each step toward the home office feeling like a march into the unknown.
The door to Richard’s office creaked open, revealing the dark elegance within—walls lined with books, heavy furniture, a massive desk like a judge’s bench. The scent of cigars and aged wood clung to the air like a memory that refused to fade.
"Take a seat," Richard said, motioning to the chairs across from his desk. His tone was calm, but his eyes burned with the sharpness of a man who didn’t tolerate lies.
Greg sat first, rigid, like a soldier called into account. Cammy took the seat beside him, Ric to her right, his hand brushing her knee in a silent gesture of support.
Richard sat behind his desk like a god on his throne.