Chapter 34

• RICHARD’S POV
• As Jonathan and William stormed out of my office, the door slammed with a reverberating thud that echoed the tumult in my mind.The conversation had not only gone south—it had plummeted. Their faces had been clouded with anger, disappointment etched deeply into their expressions. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. Had I been too harsh? No, I reassured myself, they needed to hear it.
• I leaned back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Why? Just why can't things be straightforward for once?" I muttered to myself, staring blankly at the cityscape that sprawled beyond my window.