The Torn Proof

Roland leaned forward, letting the silence in the opulent drawing room stretch for a beat. He locked eyes with his adopted daughter, his chest swelling with a heavy, patriarchal pride. "Tessa, our family's future is counting on you," he said, his deep voice thick with a warm, expectant smile.

The weight of his praise washed over Tessa, rushing heat straight to her cheeks. She flushed a deep, vibr