"Please." Vredemann waved a hand. "Call me Vredemann. We're practically family now."
Marcellus's gaze flickered to Cael, then back to the older man.
"Are we?"
"You've been friends with my daughter and her partner for a while." Vredemann gestured between them. "That makes us allies, at least. Unless you'd prefer otherwise."
"I prefer to keep my options open."
"Wise." Vredemann's smile didn't waver. "Very wise."
Vance, who had remained silent until now, spoke.
"Cael."
"Father."
The two Ardens regarded each other for a moment, a silent exchange that seemed to carry more weight than words.
"The ball is progressing well," Vance said finally. "No incidents yet."
"Give it time," Cael replied.
Vance's lips twitched. "Indeed. So, how are things between you and the girl?"
"Ahem…" Vredemann cleared his throat, cutting him off. "If you must speak about my daughter, do it when I'm not present."
