River’s gaze was piercing as he locked eyes with Jacob, his tone steady but laced with an undercurrent of warning. “I know a lot of things, Jacob. Especially about anyone who comes near my daughter.”

The room grew tense, and Tiffany’s heart sank. This was exactly the kind of scenario she’d been dreading. She exchanged a worried glance with Riley, but she just gave her a small, reassuring smile.

Jacob’s jaw tightened, clearly caught off guard, but he managed to keep his composure ...