"That's exactly the problem!" Valerie snapped, exhaling in frustration. "Once you give, they'll come again. And again. They'll get used to it!"
She paced back and forth, her fingers curling into fists without her noticing.
"They didn't come as family," Valerie continued, her voice rising. "They came like leeches. You—you're empowering them!"
Demian watched her.
For a long moment.
His gaze held no anger. No offense.
Only calm—far too calm.
"It's fine," he said at last. "I'll give them anything."
Valerie stopped pacing.
"You say that like it means nothing," she shot back irritably. "This isn't about your money, Demian. It's—"
She drew in a sharp breath, then continued in a frustrated mutter she couldn't suppress.
"They'll think I allow this. That I'm weak. That I—"
Her words broke off.
Because Demian was suddenly standing right in front of her.
Too close.
