14

After dinner, Reyna pulled William aside, an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Can I speak with you privately for a moment?” she asked.

William raised an eyebrow but followed her out to the hallway. As soon as they were out of earshot, Reyna whirled around, anger flashing in her eyes.

“What was that stunt you pulled during dinner?” she demanded, keeping her voice low. “Mia looked terrified.

Irritation crossed William’s face. “I told you from the beginning not to expect me to play father to your daughter,” he said coldly. “I provided full financial support to you as we agreed. But parenting is not part of the arrangement.”

“That doesn’t mean you need to scare her!” Reyna shot back, struggling to keep her voice down. “She’s just a little girl, William. There was no call for you to try to intimidate me in front of a six-year-old.”

William’s eyes narrowed dangerously and he took a step towards Reyna, his tall frame looming over her. She fought the urge to step back, standing