"However, Master Dominic has contacted you."
Damien's gaze sharpened, flicking quickly to Elysia's calm expression.
"Father?" he echoed, voice tightening slightly. "When?"
"Twenty minutes ago. He expects a return call tonight."
Damien nodded slightly, a small flicker of satisfaction crossing his expression. It was subtle, but meaningful—Dominic waiting patiently rather than demanding immediate attention marked a change. If it had been before, his father would have forced the call, regardless of Damien's schedule or company. The simple act of waiting showed something had shifted.
Respect.
Or at least acknowledgment.
Damien's lips twitched into a faint smirk, and without glancing away from the road, he spoke calmly to the car's built-in AI.
"Connect me to Dominic Elford."
"Calling Dominic Elford," the AI's crisp voice responded immediately, filling the cabin with a gentle hum as the call established.
It connected swiftly.
