Daniel knock once and pushed the door open.
Mrs Carter was sitting behind her desk fingers tapping slowly on the polished wood. She didn't look up immediately - which meant she was thinking, or annoyed, or both.
"Mother," Daniel said, stepping inside.
She finally lifted her eyes sharp. Calculating.
The kind gaze that always made people straighten their backs without meaning to.
" you took your time," she said calmly.
" I came as soon as I was told," he replied.
Mrs Carter leaned back in her chair, studying him carefully. " good because we need to discuss something important. "
Daniel's brows pulled together " what is it?"
She sighed softly, folding her hands." Your marriage. "
Silence.
Daniel's Jaws tightened, just slightly. " we've talked about this. "
" no" she corrected ," I talked. you avoid it." Her voice held that familiar elegance - softy but dangerous firm. "Daniel, you are not a boy anymore. The family needs stability. And a suitable women has already been prepared. You only need to agreed."
He exhaled, slow and controlled." And if I don't?"
Mrs Carter gave a small , cold smile. " you will because you understand responsibility. And because you know what happens when you refuse."
His eyes darkened for a moment, " I'm not marrying someone I don't know. "
" you will," she repeated, " because this family cannot afford scandals especially now."
Daniel's fingers curled inside his pocket.
Mrs Carter watched closely - too closely.
" whatever is distracting you, let it go, I won't tolerate nonsense. "
She didn't say Mary's name.
She didn't have to.
Daniel's silent, but his heartbeat had changed - heavier, sharper.
Mrs Carter closed a file on her desk " dinner will be tomorrow at eight, you'll behave. And meet the girl properly this weekend. "
Daniel nodded stiffly." Is that all?"
"For now," she said.
He turned and left without a word.
The door clicked shut behind him, and Daniel let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
His glance at the screen - Patrick calling.
Daniel answered " what is it."
Patrick relaxed familiar voice came through.
" Man, you sound stressed. Come out tonight. Let's grab a drink."
Daniel rubbed his forehead " I don't know...long day."
" that exactly why you need it," Patrick said.
" come on, just an hour. It'll clear your head."
Daniel sighed. " fine send me the location."
The called ended.
Daniel slipped his phone back into his pocket, exhaling softly.
Maybe he need that drink.