Nicolas did not react outwardly. He simply crouched down and began gathering the scattered files one by one, restoring order even in the middle of the chaos.
"Chief," he said calmly, not looking up yet, "I've never seen you like this. Not once." He paused briefly while stacking the papers neatly. "Who messed with you?"
Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.
Then Santiago spoke.
"Tell me why…" His voice dropped lower, controlled but strained beneath the surface. "She's pregnant with my child."
The words hung in the air, sharp and unbelievable.
"How is that even possible?" he continued, his eyes dark and burning now. "I don't like children. I hate children."
The last sentence came out colder, more personal. It was not a simple dislike. It was a rejection. Children were weaknesses. Attachments. Liabilities that could be used against him. Things he had spent his entire life avoiding.
