For a fleeting moment, Evan's eyes softened, but the flicker vanished as quickly as it came. "You think you can exploit me by threatening my family? You're more naive than I thought. My loyalty is to those I choose, not to those who think they can control me. Remember that."
Vishal's gaze darkened, though he held his composure. "Very well, Evan. Consider this our final offer. Think carefully, because we won't ask again."
Evan's response was a cold, knowing smile. "I have provided my answer, Vishal. And I think you already know it."
The atmosphere became tense and suffocating to the point that guards, who had been trained for such moments and had come along with Vishal felt an uneasy chill creeping down their spines as they stared at Evan.
Despite their year of rigorous preparation, something about him unsettled them.
