Lucius's POV
I had held every ounce of energy in check, every bit of self-control I had to stop myself from marching over there and tearing Veyron away from Kiara. The sight of his hand on her waist, his smug expression—it was almost too much. My patience was razor-thin, and I was about to lose it entirely when a small voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Father, can I have this dance?"
I turned to see Ariel, my sweet daughter, her wide eyes full of hope and mischief. Her request was enough to melt the fire burning inside me, if only for a moment. I took her small hand in mine, forcing myself to focus on her and not the infuriating scene across the room.
Her laugh was light and genuine, a sound that somehow managed to soothe the storm brewing within me. "I can't believe a day like this has come. Our family will be complete soon, Father," she said, her smile beaming up at me.
