Chapter 23 You Like Him

• Jeda pushed open the heavy oak doors of her father's office, the scent of leather and aged wood filling her senses as she entered. Her father, Adone, sat behind his massive mahogany desk, a cigar in hand, its tip glowing faintly in the dim light. He looked up, his piercing gaze locking onto her.
• "You sent for me, Father?" she asked, her voice cautious, betraying the tension she felt.
• Adone leaned back in his chair, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. "I did. I’ve been keeping an eye on you, Jeda. And I've noticed something... interesting. You’re still friends with Vincent."