Bella's POV
The silence stretched like a taut wire when Lord Morris spoke, his voice cutting through the chaos with calculated precision. Every person in the room turned toward him, waiting.
"Why waste energy fighting over Leah? Make him surrender Zack to us. The woman can keep her daughters if that satisfies her," Lord Morris declared, his tone suggesting the matter was settled.
Derek's head snapped toward his father, confusion etched across his features. "What are you saying?"
"I speak only truth, son. Caring for daughters presents challenges no father should bear. Girls come with complications, endless emotional needs. But a son? A son carries the family legacy forward," Lord Morris elaborated, his reasoning delivered with absolute certainty.
Derek's expression darkened, his jaw clenching. "Father, you know the promise you gave me. Bella stays with me. That was our agreement."
