Chapter 148

Teresa

Drako, seemingly satisfied, responded with a brief "good" and released her. Teresa stumbled back, wiping away the tears that blurred her vision. She couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal, of surrendering her principles to the manipulative whims of her father.

As she composed herself, Drako, indifferent to her emotional turmoil, commanded, "Stop crying."

Teresa scoffed, a mix of anger and sorrow in her voice. "Why? So you can pretend you care about my feelings now?"

Drako sighed, a hint of annoyance in his demeanor. "I'm doing what's best for you, Teresa. You might not understand it now, but in the end, you'll thank me."

Teresa shot him a disdainful look. "Thank you? For what? Manipulating me into doing your dirty work? I'll never thank you for that."

Drako shook his head, a condescending smile playing on his lips. "You're blinded by your own ideals. You'll see the bigger picture soon enough."