“Be quiet, Nathan,” Father said without looking at him.

“Evelyn, you have a duty to this family,” Father continued, his eyes locked onto mine.

“We supported you when you chose this ridiculous path instead of joining the family business.”

“You did not support me,” I said. “You told me I was wasting my life.”

“And yet, here you are,” Father said, his expression completely devoid of remorse.

“You have succeeded, which means the family investment has finally paid off.”

“Now, you will secure this promotion for your sister’s future husband.”

“It is a simple transaction.”

I looked at him, seeing the cold calculation in his eyes that had defined my entire childhood.

To him, my rank was not earned through twenty-five years of service, sleepless nights, and sea deployments.

It was merely a chip to be cashed in.

“The Navy does not operate on family transactions, Father,” I said.

“You are refusing me?” Father asked, his eyebrows rising in genuine disbelief.

“I am stating a fact,” I said.

Caroline let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

“See?” Caroline said, looking at Father. “She is doing this out of pure spite.”