Not out of anger.
Out of disapproval.
"Mr. Williams?"
Elena paused.
The older man leaned back in his chair.
"You are about to marry my grandson."
His voice remained calm.
Measured.
Yet somehow the statement felt like a correction.
"I have personally approved this marriage."
He folded his hands on the table.
"And after everything that has happened, you are still calling me Mr. Williams?"
Elena found herself unexpectedly straightening in her seat.
Not because she was intimidated.
Because she respected authority when it was earned.
"That wasn't my intention."
"I know."
Edward nodded once.
"Which is why I am correcting it now."
A pause.
Then firmly:
"You will call me Grandfather."
Not a suggestion.
Not a request.
A decision.
Elena blinked.
For the briefest moment, she didn't know how to respond.
Then finally—
"Grandfather."
The older man's expression softened immediately.
"There."
He picked up his tea again.
"Much better."
