t, the file on Joseph Barron IV her only company. It was her enemy's dossier, and

hrough the ranks of government. His record was flawless, sterile, and utterly devoid of humanity. There we

transcripts of policy speeches, sober analyses of his polit

ecade older than her.

response was a sigh of resignation. "Drew, this was a decision made by your grandfather and

utterl

grandfather. She had crafted her argument

His reputation is... formidable. Marrying him, I would lose

nk the Barrons were looking for a decorative vase? They want your br

every objection dismantled. Her rebel

ization dawning. She could not bre

have to rot i

risky. If she could not refuse the m

spised: a perfect, pliant, utterly boring political troph

and power, would surely be repelled by a soull

er began. She wasn't preparing to imp

set, the most conservative one she owne

rstylist and requested a chignon so ti

was sweet, submissive, and utterly vacant. She practiced

ture of concern and pity as she watched Drew's tr

just learning how to be a proper Mrs. Barron, Mother." But behin

and her family toward the Barron estate in G

courtship. Th

r her legal acumen. It was the art

an estate even grander and more steeped in history t

d the vapid, gentle smile on her

ame w