Jayden quickly closed his holotab. "Come in." he said, his voice sounding raspier than intended.
Jacob opened the door, offering a tight, apologetic smile. He stepped inside and securely closed the door behind him. He stood awkwardly for a moment before letting out a breath.
"Listen, kid. I'm sorry for calling you out downstairs like that," Jacob started, his voice low and weary. "I didn't mean to make it sound like an accusation."
"It's fine," Jayden replied with a casual shrug, though every muscle in his body was coiled like a spring. He took another bite of his toast, the dry crunch sounding like a gunshot in the quiet room. "I know you're just looking out for me."
Jacob nodded, but he didn't move toward the door. He stood in the center of the room, an immovable pillar of conflict. The paternal warmth he usually carried seemed to evaporate, replaced by the cold, calculating gaze of a man who had spent decades staring into the abyss of human nature.
