Aleksandr laughed softly, the sound low and amused, carrying a note of cruelty. "If Meical is not here," he said, eyes glinting, "then perhaps we may manage you quietly, before he returns. One can only hope you are less troublesome than the boy himself."
Min-jae's gaze did not falter. His body remained relaxed, but every line of him radiated authority. "This is my house," he said, voice firm, each word deliberate. "You are guests. You have no authority here. You will follow the rules of this estate, or you will leave immediately. Do I make myself clear?"
Andrey's hand twitched, brushing the cane as if on instinct, his expression tightening. "Your house," he repeated, almost mockingly. "And you presume to give orders to the Vukasins? To me? To your elders?"
Tatiana's lips pressed into a thin line. "This is… improper. It is unbecoming to speak to us in such a manner. Surely, the proper thing would be to defer—"
