Chapter 127 Needing Parental Blessings

The air crackled with a tension as thick as fog in a London alley. Jane's father, Thomas Harrington, stood with arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Lucian Thorne with an intensity that could bore holes through steel. "Rather sudden, isn't it, this whole courtship business?" he rumbled, his voice heavy with suspicion. Jane, her chin held high despite the tremor in her hands, met his gaze head-on. "Perhaps, Father," she admitted, "but life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. Sometimes, those curveballs are handsome, charming gentlemen with a surprising aptitude for swordplay." She winked at Lucian, who responded with a practiced smile that did little to ease the tension in the room. "Indeed," Lucian agreed, his voice smooth as velvet. "Your daughter is a rare gem, sir. My primary intention is to ensure her safety." A reluctant flourish softened the harsh lines of Thomas's face as he uncrossed his arms. "Very well, Thorne. If you intend to have Jane, you'll need to prove yourself