Chapter 229: A Filthy Mistake

Roman “It’s a good thing we’re skipping introductions,” I said calmly, though every muscle in my body was locked tight. “You already know Paula. And that means you know exactly why she’s here. You know why we’re here.” Julius stood near the center of the living room like a man who still believed he owned the ground beneath his feet. His posture was stiff, his expression carefully blank. He’d perfected that look over decades—feigned confusion layered over arrogance. “I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about,” he said lightly. Too lightly. “Why are you all in my house?” I took a slow step forward. “You’ve been my father’s loyal dog for years,” I said. “You cleaned up his messes. Covered his crimes. Bent yourself into whatever shape he demanded. And in doing his bidding, Julius, you destroyed lives. You shattered families. You left scars that don’t fade. Scars people carry into the grave.” His eyes flicked around the room. He was counting. Measuring. Realizing, finally, t