Damon arrived at the hotel parking lot, his mind focused on the uing week.
He had called Victor and Svena earlier, and they had agreed to meet here before heading out together.
As Damon walked towards the entrance, he was suddenly hit with a strong force.
Before he could react, he was embraced tightly. The familiar scent told him exactly who it was.
"Lana," he mumbled into the hug, returning it with equal warmth.
"Ahem!"
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat, interrupting the moment.
Damon pulled back, recognizing Victor''s presence.
He looked up to see Victor standing with his arms folded, his expression unreadable.
Svena, still holding onto Damon, turned around at the sound.
Her face showed a hint of confusion and nervousness as she noticed her father.
Victor''s presence was imposing, and it was clear that Svena was unsure how to handle the situation.
Victor strode over to Damon with a confident stride.
The intimidation in his posture was very heavy, but it softened as he approached. Without a word, Victor pushed Svena gently aside and wrapped Damon in a firm, congrattory hug.
"Congrattions, kid," Victor said, his voice filled with genuine pride. "You made it to The Supreme Fighter. Didn''t doubt you for a second."
Damon stood still for a moment, absorbing the unexpected gesture.
He had never experienced a supportive male figure in his life, and Victor''s approval struck a deep chord.
It was a feeling of warmth and validation he hadn''t known he needed.
Victor released Damon from the hug, a satisfied smile on his face.
The moment was brief but meaningful. Damon looked at Victor, feeling a mixture of happiness and awe.
This was a new experience for him, and it was one he appreciated deeply.
Svena, watching the exchange, seemed to rx a bit, her nervousness fading as she saw the genuine bond between Victor and Damon.
As Damon and Svena made their way to their cars, it was clear they were nning to ride together. Victor, however, stopped them in their tracks.
"Lana, you drive alone. I need to have a word with Damon," Victor said with a serious tone.
Svena turned to protest but saw Victor''s stern expression.
Despite not being her biological father anding into his familyter in her life, she held a deep respect for Victor.
He had earned the title of "Dad" through his actions and support.
Reluctantly, Svena nodded and said her goodbyes to Damon before getting into her car. She drove off, leaving Damon and Victor behind.
Damon turned to Victor with a chuckle. "You''re not nning to kill me, are you?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Victor shook his head, a hint of a smile appearing. "Wouldn''t dream of it. Get in the car."
Damon nced at the BMW parked nearby, then slid into the passenger seat as Victor unlocked the door for him.
Victor started the engine, and they drove out of the parking lot, leaving the hotel behind.
The drive was smooth and quiet, with the city lights shing past as they headed toward their destination.
Damon nced at Victor, sensing that this conversation was more than just casual talk.
The drive was silent, and Damon began to wonder if they would even talk.
His thoughts drifted to his mother, and he realized he needed to call her to tell her about his win and confirm his departure.
This would be the first time he''d be away from her for an extended period.
He had mixed feelings, he would miss her, but he also looked forward to the freedom, even if it meant being cut off from the outside world.
The Supreme Fighter would be all about training. No phones, no TV, just a focus on improving his skills.
As he pondered, he noticed the road ahead bing rougher.
As they arrived near arge tree by ake, Victor stopped the car. He took out a tablet and got out, saying, "Come on."
Damon followed him, joining Victor who was standing with his hands in his pockets.
Victor looked at Damon and said, "Well, I should get this over with then." He nced up and then turned to face Damon.
"Is this about Lana?" Damon asked, confused.
"No and yes," Victor began, his voice softening. "When I adopted Lana, she was a young teenager, about 14 or 15. She had lost so much and experienced things that would break a grown man. I won''t go into details—it''s not my story to tell, especially with how close you two are—but I need to warn you." His voice cracked slightly.
Damon could see how deeply Victor cared for Svena.
Victor continued, "I didn''t think I''d be doing this, but... look, Damon, I don''t know what''s going on between you and my daughter.
She seems happy, so I''m okay with it. But I need you to understand something.
She''s not a toy. She''s not someone you experiment with and then leave.
I know I don''t need to tell you this because I believe you''re a good guy, raised well.
But as a father, I need to say this: if you hurt my daughter, I will hurt you back."
Victor pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a long drag. Damon had never seen him so serious before.
"I don''t think that''ll be necessary," Damon said. "I would never hurt her."
Victor chuckled and said in a tired tone, "I know, kid. My wife told me I had to say this. I can spot a yer from a mile away, like Ash. But you, I don''t think you''re like that. Still, it''s what dads do."
Damonughed along with Victor, feeling a mix of relief and respect.
Victor took another drag from his cigarette, letting out a long, slow breath as he looked out at the tranquilke.
"But I am serious though," Victor said, his tone turning more earnest. "If you do hurt her…"
Damon''s expression became serious. He met Victor''s gaze with a firm nod, fully understanding the weight of the warning.
Victor then flicked the cigarette butt into theke, watching as it bobbed for a moment before sinking.
He turned back to Damon, the tension in his posture easing. "Well, enough about that mumbo-jumbo. Let''s talk about what I really brought you here for."