"I agree." He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Not every father in this world can be the best. I accept that I'm the worst."
Rosalind stared at him, disbelief clear in her expression. "But think about it," he continued, unfazed. "The king could give you so much more. It would help with your mother's treatment. She would recover quickly." He smiled as if the idea alone should convince her.
Rosalind's expression went flat. "Is that all you've been using the money for?" she asked.
"Well… a man has to double it once in a while," Calder replied lightly.
Gambling.
"Can't you see what it's doing to you?" Rosalind said, her voice tightening. "Gambling doesn't give anything, it takes. It feeds you hope just so it can break you. You think you're close to winning, but it's nothing more than an illusion. And in the end, it leaves you with nothing."
Calder's expression darkened. "I didn't ask for a lecture," he snapped. "Do what I told you and stay out of what doesn't concern you."
