The burden of guilt.

Denis spun around, eyes blazing. "You want me to ask him for help? That loser? Are you serious?"

"He has connections with the Sphere Group," Gabriel said flatly. "You don't have to like him. But if he can get us a foot in the door with Sphere, it's worth swallowing your pride. We need that deal. Once we secure the partnership—"

"I'm not begging him for anything," Denis snarled, cutting him off. "I'll figure out myself how to get the appointment. Don't push me on this."

He stormed out, the door rattling behind him with a violent slam.

"Denis, you idiot." Gabriel's facial muscles trembled in rage. His fist came down hard on the table. "I am not going to let you ruin everything."

Denis burst into his office, eyes burning with anger as his father's voice kept replaying in his head like an annoying echo.

"He wants me to ask Augustine for help? Has he lost it?" he growled under his breath, pacing the room. "I'm Denis Beaumont—I don't beg anyone."