Luis swallowed hard, struggling to meet her eyes. "I… I truly need that project," he stammered, his voice tight. "I don't… I mean, the cash flow—"
"You want a project," Daniella interrupted, her voice low but cutting, "when you have nothing to offer? Not even capital? Not even leverage?" She rose from Santiago's lap, the fabric of her dress swaying gently with the movement. The calculated calm in every motion made the family flinch.
Before she could fully straighten, Santiago's large hand slid around her waist, pulling her back so she leaned against him once more. His breath ghosted against her ear as he whispered, a note of mock concern threading through the words: "Has my lap become thorny? Or do you just forget who's really in charge?"
