Kirk studied him for a long moment, the weight of his gaze making Tyler feel smaller. Then, slowly, he stood up from his desk, his imposing figure towering over Tyler.
"Why should I help you?" Kirk asked, his voice hard. "You've brought nothing but shame to this family recently. You've squandered the opportunities given to you. And now, you're asking me to send you to your death?"
Tyler flinched at the harshness of his father's words, but he held his ground. "Because I'm your son," he said quietly. "And I know I've failed, but I'm asking for one last chance. Please, Father. Just send someone to protect me while I find this inheritance. If I fail again, then you can turn your back on me, but I have to try."
Kirk was silent for a long time, his expression unreadable. Tyler's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for his father's decision.
