Dahlia's POV
Dick lifted his teacup and sipped slowly. "Miss Mathews, have you spent your entire life here in Crestwood City?"
My eyebrows drew together in a frown. "Mr. Swain, you didn't ask me to come here this late just to make small talk, did you?"
I raised my eyes to look directly at him.
My directness didn't seem to bother him at all.
His eyes crinkled with amusement as he let out a soft laugh. "Miss Mathews, you've never been one to beat around the bush."
Confusion flickered across my face. "Mr. Swain, I think you have me confused with someone else. I'm not a Mathews."
"Are you going to tell me that your biological father is dead?" Dick's stare pierced through me, unwavering and intense.
I held his gaze without backing down. "Yes," I said coolly. "I've never known my father. As far as I'm concerned, he might as well be dead."
Dick went quiet for a beat, his eyes shifting downward before focusing elsewhere. "How is your mother doing these days?"
