"The true heir of the Byron empire," Malvin continued, each word deliberate, "is sitting somewhere right now, being raised by two people who have already proven they'll burn down anyone standing in their way. And instead of preparing for that, you're all here, tearing each other apart over things that don't even matter anymore." he turned to Seron, and something in his expression softened despite himself.
"You were disowned, Seron. Formally, publicly, discarded as his son. That title isn't coming back to you, no matter how many battles you win in this room." His gaze shifted to Mia.
"And you can't be next in line either. Not while Max has a son. That door has been closed for both of you. So the fighting you're doing, all of it, it's not just exhausting. It's pointless. You are fighting a losing battle inside a house that's already on fire."
For a long moment, no one spoke.
