Chapter 30 The Cruel Ultimatum

• The silence in the dining hall was deafening. The crystal chandeliers above flickered slightly, reflecting the storm that had begun to rage outside, mirroring the one in Damian’s chest.
• He stood at the head of the table, his jaw clenched, knuckles white as he gripped the edge. Across from him sat Elena, pale but unyielding, her gaze fixed on the man who looked as though he could shatter the world with a single word.
• The family dinner had fallen apart minutes ago and Astrid’s poisonous words still hung in the air like smoke. Damian hadn’t touched his food. He hadn’t looked away from Elena once.