The King family lunch was lively as usual, filled with chatter and the occasional playful jab between siblings. Adrian sat at the head of the table, his commanding presence unmatched even in his own home. His gaze lingered on his wife, her ethereal beauty effortlessly stealing his breath like it had for decades. Their children were scattered around, each a perfect mix of their parents’ striking features.

The peace broke when Sofia spoke up.

“So,” she began, pushing her salad around, “I wanted to tell you guys something.”

Adrian’s brow lifted slightly as he sipped his wine, eyes narrowing just a fraction. “Go on.”

“I have a boyfriend,” Sofia said casually, as if dropping a grenade in the middle of the room.

The table went silent. Utensils paused midair, and all eyes darted to Adrian, whose expression turned to stone.

“A what?” His voice was low, dangerously calm.

“A boyfriend,” Sofia repeated, tilting her chin up, her confidence unwavering.

Adrian leaned forward, his sharp gaze boring into hers. “And you thought it was wise to wait until now to mention this?”

Elena snickered under her breath. “Here we go.”

“Quiet,” Adrian snapped, cutting his eldest daughter’s amusement short. His attention was solely on Sofia. “What’s his name?”

“Daniel,” Sofia answered, her tone steady.

“Daniel what?”

“Does it matter?” she asked, meeting his piercing glare head-on.

“It matters,” Adrian said firmly, his deep voice filled with authority. “Because the moment a man thinks he can claim you, he’s claiming to be my equal—and I promise you, Sofia, he’s not.”

“Dad,” Sofia groaned, rolling her eyes. “He’s not claiming anything. He’s just...my boyfriend.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. “You’re 19. You don’t need a boyfriend. You need to focus on your studies, your future—things that matter.”

Sofia’s chair scraped against the floor as she stood, her frustration evident. “I’m not a child anymore, Dad.”

“You’ll always be my child,” Adrian said sternly, rising as well, his towering frame intimidating.