Jeffrey stood frozen for a beat, his emotions a tangled mess of shock, happiness, and something bitterly close to anger. He hated that he was glad to see his grandfather.
He hated even more that he knew Philip wasn't here for him. That calculating glance said it all.
Sebastian stood silently in the foyer, observing but saying nothing, his presence only adding to the weight pressing down on Jeffrey's chest.
Then Philip spoke, his voice steady, deliberate. "Joanne is in danger."
The words sliced through the air, but instead of fear, they only ignited Jeffrey's frustration. His fists clenched. His jaw tightened.
Of course, her.
"Not even a 'how have you been, Jeffrey?'" His voice came out sharp, laced with resentment. "You're here for her, but you can't even pretend to care about me? Four years! It's been four years and… Do you have any idea how much I've suffered?"
Philip exhaled slowly, disappointment flickering in his gaze.
Jeffrey knew that look too well.
