Damon arrived at the hotel parking lot, his mind focused on the upcoming week.
He had called Victor and Svetlana 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.
Svetlana, 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 Svetlana 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 Svetlana gently aside and wrapped Damon in a firm, congratulatory hug.
"Congratulations, 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.
As they arrived near a large tree by a lake, 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 glanced 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 Svetlana.
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 player from a mile away, like Ash. But you, I don't think you're like that. Still, it's what dads do."
Damon laughed 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 tranquil lake.
"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 the lake, 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."