an

to my proposal. Anger, insult, incre

rington Corporation let

be serious," he ga

nsulting. "I'm dead serious," I replied flatly, a bit p

tonight. Thank you," Blake laughe

er my po

since it w

and away. He searched my eye

l be sufficient for a transfer of assets wit

s lips twitched. He was t

nd was taking me somewhat serio

lk away with nothing? Or do you exp

anything from you, Mr

la

en, yes, it needs an infusion of capital. And..." This was the most humil

ebrow. "You're eig

ree," I sa

. "Ye Gods, you look like a thirteen-y

erms in good faith. My only condition is t

. "So you've said. "Do you have s

e. "Of course. Th

rsonally?" Blake

father brought me to the floors of several of his factories. They work for me. T

st stare

was going to let him lead my company. "Nevermind. Let's just call th

urprisingly strong arms. Broad-chested, handsome. He'd prob

en't even given you an answer yet," Blak

. I have to say I'm disappointed. You were at the to

ing they were disappointed in him. He was probably th

pist herself, was looking out at us on

'm sorry," I said, struggling to free myself. I was weak fro

eally?" Blake scoffed. "Just because I'm not as co

le' are who make your business succes

lady go," a cold voi

ust swaying to get my balance when a

ifically at me. "There now. W

an just proposed to me. Then rejected

port scar was under the dress, then back

replied c

most kind and compassionate creat

t, especially this close to my father's

re at Blake, who actually took a startled step back. "I can't believe it

!" Blak

. Your father said it would take at least three months to push her away. I would have won at three minutes," Dahlia sniffed. S

actually don't hav

me," Dahl

around the perimeter of the ballroom,

have, Sandra?" Da

her. Direct. To the point. "About six months,"

as sincere, and I had to swall

ace with it," I responde

to my son,"

deflecting me, I wouldn't have come at all. One conversation wo

y to hear of his passing," Dahlia replied. "I suppose that

Manufacturing to the grave with me. I thought being able to get around

vain. Your terms are simply that the

, but, how did you know I was g

ead emphatically. "Blake will marry you. And I will perso

in shock. "W-

bts. The infrastructure is solid, and your staff works hard." Dahlia loo

d with a swallow.

ow, you go and get some rest. I'm going to tell m

eath. "Don't tel

hat information first. Don't worry. I will h

I was staying across town, but I just smi

y daughter, after all." Dahli

step. Blake Harrington might be a jerk, but his

*

la

wasn't my type at all. Black hair, skinny... beautiful, of course, but ju

and pale, her lips a contrasting deep rose. With the

hose

e sting of her rejection. Who was she to reject me? Her company was drow

herself

mething primal, did not like the idea of that startling, fey creature ma

med me un

damn catch of

r brought me out

intended. Or maybe not. She'd agreed with Sa

o secure the deal you were so thoughtlessly going to toss asi

at? With Sandra?"

gratulations." My mother turned to leave

ou what?!" I st

e to inform your father and get a wedding planner. Oh, and you have my permiss

can't just–!"

a sacrifice for what she's offering." My mother lifted her stubborn chin,

ve in divorce!" I accused. "You've s

quality, and I'm rather hoping you'll learn what you have a

s, something flinty yet... sad

he said. "And this time, call Sandra.

ut

open as my mother simply walked a

hell was