"One more word from you…" Adrian's voice remained perfectly calm, controlled, and deadly, each syllable measured like the final tick of a countdown. "…and you will regret every single decision that brought you into this mansion today."
The entire hall froze in collective dread, the air growing so thick and heavy it felt almost impossible to breathe. Even Seraphina, who had always prided herself on her ability to navigate Adrian's moods, wisely kept her mouth shut. For the first time since his arrival, she realized with chilling clarity that this was not the man she could manipulate with pretty explanations, tears, or carefully crafted excuses. This was Adrian Blake at his most dangerous, cold, calculating, and utterly unforgiving.
