The status concerning Ryder's daughter was no secret within the inner circle of the empire, and Gabriel could sense the tension thickening in the air.
"I-I think it's too early to discuss such matters," Gabriel interjected, his voice strained as he forced a fake smile. "And besides, my family has always valued the freedom to choose one's own path, including who to be with."
Once their business in the main mansion concluded, Gabriel and Ryder met up with Clyde somewhere else.
"So, how did it go?" Clyde asked, a mixture of curiosity and concern evident in his voice.
Ryder, visibly weary, loosened his tie and sank into a nearby sofa with a heavy sigh.
"Let's just say she wasn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat," he replied, his tone laden with frustration.
Confusion furrowed Gabriel's brow. "But earlier, she seemed to speak highly of Clyde, no?" He interjected, trying to make sense of the conflicting accounts.
