"I expect efficiency," she continued, her tone playful yet sharp. "If you're going to waste our time, then don't bother at all. And let's be clear, this couch is not for you to sit on."
Luis swallowed hard. The younger man nodded stiffly, his earlier arrogance crumbling. The two girls pressed closer together, fear making them almost invisible. Every word Daniella spoke was a small, calculated strike, and with each one, the D'Negro family's confidence eroded further.
Santiago finally leaned back in his chair, his gaze flicking briefly to Daniella. A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He didn't intervene. He didn't correct her. The subtle approval in that glance was enough to embolden her even more.
"You see?" she murmured, loud enough for everyone to hear. "In this house, you either play by the rules… or you're swallowed whole."
