Elwin's gaze snapped to the stock ticker on his phone—the numbers were hemorrhaging red. He barked at Phineas to activate crisis PR.
That's when the hotel doors burst open.
"The richest man in Capital City is here!"
"Word is he's come to meet his future son-in-law!"
Elwin's eyes lit up with manic hope. In the same motion, he raised his hand to strike my face.
"STOP!"
The roar came from the entrance.
Elwin glanced back at the newcomer—then, without hesitation, slapped me twice across the face.
Only then did he jog over to my father, bowing deeply with a servile smile.
"Dad! You didn't have to come all this way yourself!"
"Don't worry, I've been taking excellent care of your daughter. She hasn't suffered at all! Perhaps you could help me with—"
