CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVEN – HEAD OF THE HOUSE

The rest of the evening passed in a similar fashion, with moments of genuine warmth interspersed with thinly veiled barbs and pointed questions. Evelyn seemed oblivious to the tension, completely absorbed in her role as doting grandmother. It wasn't until after dinner, when Evelyn had taken Helena upstairs for a diaper change, that things came to a head. "I think it's time we addressed the elephant in the room," George said, his voice low but firm. "Luca, I'm not blind to the nature of your... business." Luca's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. "Mr. Harrison, I understand your concerns. But I assure you, my priority is the safety and happiness of Rebecca and Helena." George scoffed. "Safety? In a world of violence and crime? How can you possibly guarantee that?" "Dad, please," Rebecca interjected, but George held up a hand. "No, Rebecca. I need to hear this from him. How can you justify bringing my daughter and granddaughter into this life?" Luca's eyes flashed with a