Chapter 911

Dorian got home and heard that Calix and Reid had been showing Josefina the ropes with shooting. Intrigued, he decided to pop over and see for himself.

In his jeans and a white t-shirt, Dorian exuded an easy confidence as he strolled into the shooting range. His presence was calm, yet filled with warmth.

Josefina spotted him and waved, grinning from ear to ear. "Dorian, you're back!"

Calix and Reid exchanged a look that said it all.

Calix mumbled, "Well, there goes our title as the coolest brothers."

Reid sighed, "With Dorian's incredible aim, Josefina's bound to want lessons from him instead."

Josefina, having caught their quiet exchange, turned to Dorian, "Dorian, Reid and Calix have been teaching me how to shoot. They're super patient, and I can already hit the 9th ring!"

Calix and Reid basked in her praise, clearly pleased.

Calix chimed in, "Our sister picks things up so fast."

Reid added, "She's the best!"

Dorian shot a sharp glance at his brothers, teasing them, "Is that all?"

Calix and Reid fell silent, a bit sheepish.

With a kind smile, Dorian said, "Let me give you a little demo, Josefina."

He stood tall, a striking figure on the range. With a steady hand, he pulled the trigger, sending the bullet straight to the bullseye.

Calix and Reid couldn't help but admire Dorian's skill, even if it did outshine theirs.

Josefina clapped her hands, "Dorian, you're amazing! And so are you, Reid and Calix! You all shoot better than me."

Dorian chuckled, "Josie, hitting the 9th ring right off the bat is impressive. You're the real champ here."

Calix joined in, "You're doing great, sis!"

Reid was quick to continue the praise train for Josefina.

Dorian suggested, "Let's wrap up today's shooting session. Josie must be getting tired."

With that, they packed up and headed back for dinner.

...

Meanwhile, Brandon decided it was time for a chat with Rowan, who was at home, unwinding with a drink.

Brandon walked in, and with a swift move of his cane, knocked the glass right out of Rowan's hand.

Just as Rowan was about to protest, he caught sight of Brandon and held his tongue.

Brandon settled onto the couch, flicking on all the lights, making Rowan squint against the sudden brightness.

"What do you want, Dad?" Rowan asked, shielding his eyes.

"I'm here to shake some sense into you!" Brandon replied. Rowan squirmed in the harsh light, avoiding Brandon's eyes.

"You're my son; I know you inside out. Look at you, dodging the truth! Are you really clueless about who Sydney is or are you just playing dumb?"

"Dad, come on, enough already!" Rowan pleaded.

"Hard truths are tough, but you need

ear them Do you think like

g these conversations?ne

Brandon's frustration was palpable.

"I can't wake someone who's pretending to sleep. Rowan, how did I end up with a son so blind to what's right in front of him? Ever Oliver's got more sense! Sydney's got her own agenda. You know that, don't you?"

Rowan sat quietly, sunk into the couch.

"Divorce Sydney, and maybe then I can still call you my son."