Harsh Truths and Final Deals

I sat across from Adrian in his study, watching his expression carefully as I explained what I knew about Julian's behavior. The golden afternoon light streaming through the windows contrasted with the darkness of our conversation.

"He's not who you think he is," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Julian's been manipulating Camille from the start. He doesn't love her."

Adrian leaned back in his leather chair, fingers steepled before him. "And what proof do you have of this, besides your own biased perspective?"

His dismissive tone stung, but I pressed on. "You saw him last night! Drunk, with a prostitute who looked like me. Is that the behavior of a man who should be mating with your daughter?"

"People make mistakes," Adrian replied coolly. "Especially young men before they complete their mating bond."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "A mistake? He deliberately sought out someone who resembled me! That's not a mistake—that's a pattern of behavior."