Beaumont family

“I’m not a child, Dad,” she spat out with barely contained anger. “It’s just a spa. A day out, what’s wrong with that?” Theodore, standing erect in the center of the room, clenched his jaw. His presence commanded the space without him needing to shout. “I don’t intend to repeat myself,” he said in his firm, almost cold tone . “They will not leave. Not without security. And I don’t intend to put them at risk.” Amelie, standing a few steps behind her sister, nervously fidgeted with her fingers. She wanted to speak, to defend the permission her mother had given, but she kept her gaze fixed on the ground, as if afraid of breaking the patriarch's apparent calm. “Mom said yes,” he murmured, almost inaudibly. Rowan let out a short, mocking laugh. “And Mom isn’t here, is she?” he interjected, leaning listlessly against the bar. “You should be grateful that Dad is protecting your lives. There are guys out there who wouldn’t forgive a last name like ours.” Cassian was more direct; he always was. “You know why you can’t walk alone, Eve,” he growled. “And I’m not going to repeat it.” Evelina took a step towards him with the same bravery that had gotten her into trouble all her life. “All I know is that you want an excuse to control me,” she replied with a crooked smile. “You’re terrified that someone else will see me the way I see myself.” Adrien, sitting elegantly on the sofa and looking at his nails as if it were some other person's spectacle, added: “Freedom isn’t for everyone, little sister. Much less for someone who doesn’t understand the danger.” The redhead snorted, feeling anger rise in her chest. She looked around. “I am not the property of any of you.” Theodore's eyes narrowed. He didn't raise his voice; he didn't need to. “As long as they live under my roof, they will do what I say.” A tense silence fell like a ton of bricks. Even the lamps seemed to hold their breath. At that moment, footsteps were heard at the top of the stairs. Evelina seized upon their presence like a last lifeline. “Mom, you said yes. Right?”