The atmosphere in Derek's living room was heavy with tension. The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound breaking the silence as Fiona, Liam, Derek, and Cora sat together, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.
Cora, seated on the edge of the couch, twisted her hands together, her face pale and her eyes red from the tears she had been holding back.
Derek stood by the window, his back turned to the room as he stared out into the day. The sun outside shined brightly, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him.
How could anyone dare to blackmail a woman? Who was that nan that had little regard for a woman's home? To think it was his woman's honor which was at stake here. Derek couldn't help the anger that brewed inside if him.
He wanted to tear apart the man who dared to do this to Cora, but he knew he had to stay calm, to think logically. Taking a deep breath, he turned around and met Cora's eyes.
