The table fell quiet again—but this time, it wasn’t heavy with lectures or revelation.
It was… awkward.
Ashcroft sat stiffly, jaw set, eyes fixed somewhere between the table and the far wall, as if staring hard enough might erase the last few minutes from existence. The thought lingered anyway, unwelcome and persistent, tapping insistently at the back of his mind.
Across from him, Damien said nothing. He didn’t need to. The knowing look on his face was more than enough.
Dominic watched them both for a moment, then gave Ashcroft a faint, knowing smile.
“Just remember, kid—sometimes you’re so wrapped up in your own ego, you don’t even notice how you’re pushing her away. And by the time you realize it, she’s already out of reach.”
He stood then, hands brushing lightly over the table, ey
