a's

was frigid, emotionless, and unbelievably magnificent. The walls were embellished with invaluable artwork, the type you typically find in museums, and the perspective from the l

tic phrases resonating in my thoughts. "Recovering after what Monroe did to you must have been difficult." What had

aloof, frosty, and enigmatic. I despised the way he appeared to relish my bew

nger remain inactive. If Damian didn't plan to rev

tchen counter, resolved to discover any secrets my famil

in real estate for years, capturing headlines with tales of its achieve

omplete portfolios had been dissolved over the previous year. The insight struck me

heart racing. This was kept

hink about it more, my pho

nd pressing: "Contac

tomach as I punched in her number

her voice already tense. "We

tter?" I inqui

one strained with irritation. "Your dad

e was clearly evident.

ce trembling a bit. "If Damian doesn't intervene, w

"And you expect me to plead

eld any significance in this absurd union. "This falls unde

ollowing all that you've put me through? You treated me like a pawn in a d

him, your father's heritage will be ruined. Do you wish to have that on your

tance inside me. "Perhaps you ought to have considered that befor

ered. "This is not regarding you

ll," I said softly. "And I no long

rembling as I placed the phone down. Tears clou

authoritative as before. He strolled into the living room,

ing from the sofa. "Could

obviously captivated

Are you... aware of my famil

adn't asked. "Certainly, I'm aware." Did you truly believe I would j

own my spine. "Then you realize

ting grace. "I do," he replied, taking a drink. "An

a blend of rage and e

se intense gray eyes. "And what is it that you d

ot," I replied resolutely. "I'm weary of being their

prise passing over his face. "Fascinating," he whispered. "

, my voice trembling. "I simply... I ca

insignificant. "You are gaining knowledge," he said softly. "However, don't trick yourself into believing this has conclude

unable to make eye

ur family." They created their situation, and now they must face it. Yet you, Layla.

ldn't back down. What he failed to realize was that I was no longer merely opposing them. I was b

, but one fact was clear: I could