The dim light of the bar cast long shadows as Victor leaned against the counter, swirling his whiskey. He didn’t look up when the older man slid into the seat beside him, but he recognized the voice instantly.

"Stay away from my daughter."

Victor smirked, taking a slow sip before turning to face Daniel Mercer—the man whose family he’d unintentionally tangled with.

"Our daughter," Victor corrected, his voice smooth but edged with defiance. "She calls me daddy too."