Chapter 230

When Travis mentioned "weakness," his eyes flicked meaningfully toward Renee. Growing suspicious, she was about to question him, but a deep voice cut through the tension.

"Renee."

Carl approached with purposeful strides, his tailored black suit lending him an effortless authority that needed no embellishment. His mere presence seemed to change the air pressure in the hallway.

Travis froze, his cigarette burning forgotten between his fingers, pinned in place by Carl's penetrating stare. Only the spark of defiance in his eyes remained alive.

Carl, showing complete indifference, walked past Travis without acknowledgment and swept Renee up in his arms before turning to leave.

"Uncle Carl," Travis called out, his voice like ice.

Carl stopped but didn't turn around.

Renee glanced at Travis, unsettled by the growing obsession she saw in his eyes.

Travis let out a bitter laugh. "Uncle Carl, I bet you don't know that Renee promised to leave the country with me if I agreed."

Renee's ang