Everyone watched, shocked, as the man who had walked in like an ice sculpture was suddenly melting before their eyes, his smile warm enough to thaw winter itself. He was clearly enchanted. If Beatrice asked for the moon, no one doubted Cole would climb the heavens to bring it down for her.

Beatrice’s smile erased the world around Cole. He began to coo, his voice gentle in a way no one had ever heard before. For several minutes, he was lost in her completely, blind to everyone else.

But babies got tired easily. After a few minutes of his doting, Beatrice’s eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted into sleep. Only when she was fully asleep did Cole finally lift his head to face the Griffiths family again.

Not a soul had dared approach him. They stood rooted, watching the strange, tender display.

The sight was oddly captivating. A man so tall and intimidating showing such gentle care—it was mesmerizing. They couldn’t look away from the shocking contrast. Moments ago, he’d been a cold god of wrath. Now, he was a doting father, whispering softly to his little girl without a hint of restraint. Terrifying in anger, tender in love—he was a man of extremes.

When his icy gaze finally swept over them again, the Griffiths family flinched. The warm father vanished. The cold, dangerous Cole returned.

Before anyone could speak, Cole’s voice cut through the silence.

“My daughter taking the surname Griffiths? Keep dreaming.”

Elliana almost laughed. Even now, Cole’s possessiveness amazed her. He wouldn’t give an inch when it came to their daughter.

The younger members of the Griffiths clan shrank back under his glare. Anita, forcing calm into her voice, said, “Mr. Evans, please control yourself.”

“Indeed, Mr. Evans. Your wife leads this family now. Let her decide what’s best,” an elder added smoothly.

“Our request isn’t unreasonable. Your daughter is to be our next leader,” another said.

“This is the Griffiths council hall,” one of them reminded him sharply.

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“Only Griffiths women are allowed entry. You shouldn’t be here.”

“You’ve made it clear you want nothing to do with us,” another added.

“You are the head of the Evans family. Leave our matters alone.”

“Indeed. Please leave this instant.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall. They spoke with the quiet confidence of age and rank. Their voices were calm, their tone dignified. They truly thought reason would sway him. How wrong they were.

“Enough,” Cole snapped, his words like a blade.

“I don’t care about your rules or your reasons. My daughter’s name stays Evans.” A dark smirk crossed his lips.

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