I didn't hear a single word from the stage. The speaker's voice faded into meaningless noise as my thoughts fixated on one thing—Elliot. I wanted to turn, to demand why he was here, what he thought he was doing stepping into this territory like he belonged, but my father sat beside me, his Alpha presence steady and watchful. There was no space for distractions, no chance to acknowledge another male under his gaze.
"Do we have hope, Dad?" I asked softly, keeping my tone neutral despite the restless tension coiling inside me.
Francis shook his head slightly. "Beats me."
