An ultimatum

Drake’s POV

The moment I moved inside the grand office of Charlotte's father, I filled myself with foreboding. The room was as imposing as ever: high ceilings, a polished mahogany desk, and large windows from the floor to the top that allowed views from above into the city. Charlotte’s father stood, gazing into a window, a silent figure against the early morning light.

"Drake." Her father nodded in return, his back still turned to me. His voice was cold, and curt, and it made my skin prickle.

"Good morning, sir." I tried to sound as neutral as possible while making my way to the desk. Whatever was going to transpire, it wouldn't be good.

Her father’s face was finally turned to me, looking stern and unreadable. He did not wave for me to sit, so I felt awkwardly exposed standing in the middle of the room. "Do you know why I summoned you here today?" her father asked, watching my face with narrowed eyes.

I hesitated for the briefest of seconds, measuring my words. "You said it was urgent