Chapter 13 The Backend

• Axel's POV
• As I left my brothers behind in the room, their faces grim with resignation, I braced myself for the conversation I was about to have. My father’s summons had never meant anything good. It was always some manipulation, some scheme to bend us to his will. Today, I could feel it in the pit of my stomach, this wasn’t just about the girls waiting for us in the garden. It was something deeper, more sinister.
• When I reached his office, the heavy oak door creaked open. He sat at his desk, a smirk already curling at the edge of his lips as he watched me approach. He didn’t bother with pleasantries, just motioned for me to sit. His eyes were sharp, and calculating, as always.