“I’m extremely sorry, Chairman Hamilton,” Mr. Lewiston pleaded, watching the situation spiral out of control just minutes before the swearing-in ceremony.

He had been informed that Ranya had left with Calista. Her name sounded familiar, but her face didn’t strike him as someone he knew—perhaps it was the MacQuoid in her name that rang a bell.

Chairman Hamilton had been planning to distance himself from Lewiston until Ranya did the right thing. It was unbearable that Ranya had disrespected him and his granddaughter like this.

“I’m sorry too, Ethan. Your son made it very clear that the engagement is off. What do you expect me to do? You know I...