18 Confrontations in the Cortez Mansion

The following day dawned with an air of tension lingering from the previous night's confrontation. Damon, perhaps intentionally avoiding further conflict, kept a silent demeanor as he made his way to the breakfast table. Melisa, with a keen understanding of the household dynamics, had prepared a hearty meal of eggs, bacon, and toast for him. Seeing the opportunity to maintain a semblance of normalcy, Melisa instructed Lia to take the prepared breakfast to Damon along with a cup of coffee. Lia, ever diligent, carried out the task without uttering a word. She approached Damon's room, knocked softly, and entered to find him in a contemplative state. Setting the tray down, Lia placed the plate of food and the steaming coffee on the table beside him. She stole a quick glance at Damon, but he remained immersed in his thoughts. Without waiting for acknowledgment, Lia quietly retreated from the room, leaving Damon to his solitude. The atmosphere remained charged with unspoken tension,