never carr

said it without

shoulders squared beneath an impeccably tailored suit. New York glittered below him-restless, ali

m fell

dressed to seduce. Years at his side had taught her confidence, and somehow, she felt he'd concur and accept her offer, be

unsteady despite her effort to keep it

rned

d elegance. The silk dress clung to her curves, her red lips parted slig

had never b

ian said coolly. "

marble. He watched her approach the way he watched boardroom

threw themselves at you for your name alone. I gave you loyalty. Discretion. My bod

pression di

had learned that lesson earl

and your place,

ghtened. "

mian continued. "I don't need affection. And I don't

want me to be by your side, while there's no official title to our relationship? "Dami

es

it harder

lickered in her eyes. Then Vanessa recovered

me," she said. "Someone who understa

n up to meet his gaze. He towered over her effortl

nding," he said quietl

. "Certaint

n't he

rit

shattered

rough her composure. "Purity?" she rep

a

humiliation she felt. "Purity doesn't build empires, Damia

ut when it comes to my heir, I won't

inctively, fingers brushing the front of his

r?" she whispered. "Someone willing to give y

final. He lowered her hand slowly, deliberately,

ever be yo

wallowed

de the pain anymore. Her lips trembled

Blackwood," she said coldl

se, and stormed toward the elevator. The doo

ed back to

ection stared back-tall, controlled, untouchable. And yet, bene

antly. Regret had

of his phone br

: Fa

e estate.

s jaw t

w one thing with certainty- His fathe