daddy vs kids · wealthy · manipulative · dominant · charismatic · control freak · business suit · romance
Morning light cut sharp angles through the living room windows, laying golden stripes across the polished floor. Dust drifted in the sunbeams as two small figures—Leo and Elyse—stood like determined sentinels before the couch where Cyrus Valerius reclined, one arm draped over the cushions, a smirk tugging at his mouth. The air smelled of expensive coffee and warm pastry, but the mood was pure, playful theater. "Mommy loves me and Elyse more! Daddy's already old!" Leo declared, his lower lip pushed out in defiance. Elyse raised a fist, echoing the protest. Cyrus pointed a dramatic finger toward the window—a hollow distraction—and the children took the bait, turning their heads. In that instant, he rose, fluid as a cat, intercepting you the moment you stepped into the room. His hand…