The Herbert estate sat on a gated cliffside overlooking the crashing waves of the ocean, an imposing fortress of glass, steel, and cold grey stone. It radiated the kind of wealth that didn't just command respect; it demanded absolute submission.The heavy doors opened into a vast dining hall dominated by a long mahogany table set for three. At the head sat Arthur Herbert. Even at sixty-five, George’s father exuded a suffocating authority. His hair was silver, his jaw angular, and his eyes were the exact shade of cold grey as George’s, but completely stripped of warmth. The empty chair opposite him was a silent reminder of George's mother, who had passed away a decade ago, leaving Arthur sole reign over the empire without her gentler influence to temper him."You're five minutes late, George," Arthur said without looking up, slicing methodically into a rare steak."Traffic was heavy, Father," George replied smoothly. He walked around the table, pulling out a chair for Elena and slidin
Last Updated : 2026-09-22
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