?Chapter 1435:


    “I’ll think about it,” Hamilton replied, voice clipped and cool.


    Kohen dipped his head in acknowledgment. “Understood. I’ll do whatever you decide, Father.”


    Side by side, they stepped into the house without another word.


    The moment Damon heard them arrive, he came hurrying over. “Father, what did you need to see me for?”


    Hamilton was already in a foul mood. Among all five of his sons, Damon had always been the one he favored most. He was clever, sharp, and full of potential, but all of it was wasted on useless distractions.


    Hamilton’s jaw tightened with frustration. “So now I need permission just to call you over?”


    Damon kept his tone light, wanting to end this quickly. “Father, just say what you need. Keep it short, alright?”


    Dinner at Dani’s ce was set for seven, and Damon didn’t want to miss Cedric’s cooking.


    That set Hamilton off. “Still hung up on that barbecue? Fine! I had the chef make some here too. Or do you think whatever Cedric cooks tastes better than what our top chef prepares?”


    Without skipping a beat, Damon replied, “Honestly, there’s noparison. You haven’t tasted Cedric’s cooking. He prepares everything himself—from scratch. Everything is spotless, organic, and bnced. Plus, he’s got some kind of secret sauce. What he makes is way better than anything we have here.”


    Hamilton’s voice exploded with fury. “Are you trying to make me lose my mind? You’re staying here tonight. That’s final!”


    That burst of anger knocked all the excitement out of Damon. His shoulders dropped as the thought of dinner vanished from his mind.


    Later that night, they sat at the table in strained silence. Damon barely touched his food, his expression drained of any joy. Watching him sulk across the table ruined Hamilton’s appetitepletely. With a sigh, he reached into his briefcase and tossed a document from Arthur right in front of Damon.


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    Damon picked it up and unfolded the page. The moment he saw what it was, his whole body stiffened. “Father, how do you have this?”


    Hamilton’s eyes locked on him. “So you do recognize it?”


    Without hesitation, Damon nodded. “Yeah. My psych teacher taught me the same things.”


    Hamilton leaned in slightly. “Then tell me what it means. What’s this all about?”


    Damon’s eyes scanned the paper, then lit up with recognition. “It’s about Dani.”


    Hamilton’s eyes narrowed. “Anything in there I can use against her?”


    For a moment, Damon paused. Then a sly smile crept across his face. “If I give you what you want, can I go back to Dani’s vi afterward?”


    Hamilton snapped with growing impatience, “Spit it out and get out of here!”


    A quietugh slipped from Damon as he gave a nod, then turned his attention to the document, scanning it closely. “Acrophobia.”


    Hamilton’s brows drew together. “Are you certain? Take another look.”


    Setting the paper down, Damon said confidently, “It’s acrophobia. But there are variations—some fear all heights, some only a certain level, and others link it to a bad memory from when they were kids. It’s not easy to be exact. Still, I can tell you for sure—Dani’s weakness is fear of heights.”


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