When Victor confronted him with the sharp question, Damian pressed his lips together briefly before explaining.
“Claire’s been working herself too hard lately. She had an asthma attack from overexertion, so I told her to rest.”
The old man’s piercing gaze shifted to Serena, who was chatting with others nearby. His sharp eyes seemed to see straight
through everything
Two hours passed.
Everyone had all paid their respects and presented their gifts.
Meanwhile, Damian sat there, staring at the unread messages on his phone, fighting a growing sense of unease.
Using the excuse of needing a smoke, he stepped out onto the balcony and tried calling Claire. He listened for what felt like forever, but all he heard was the endless, cold drone of a busy tone.
His heart skipped a beat. He refused to believe it and redialed, but the same cold response came through.
She had blocked him.
“Damn it!” Damian slammed his fist against the wall.
Back in the opulent banquet hall, a subordinate approached with three gifts.
Under the curious eyes, Victor unwrapped the first gift. It was an entire box of luxury cigars.
