BRANDON

The moment she asked that question, any unnecessary emotion faded away from my face as I focused, my expression turning solemn.

“They’ve already picked someone else,” I admitted, “but Dad convinced Grandpa to hold off announcing it to the Caldwells for now.”

Claire’s brows rose slightly, but I ignored it and continued, “As long as I succeed in swaying public opinion in my favor, their family—worried about reputation damage and stock prices—will have no choice but to agree to stick with me as Lilith's partner.”

She returned to her seat, crossing one leg over the other. “But will they really let you have your way that easily?”

A cold...