arrived twenty

as dressed in a simple, well-tailored suit that couldn't hide the disciplined strength of his body. He moved with

my father left us

voice was low and even, with n

atching his tone. I gestured to

rd, it was analytical. We were t

your father pro

," he

be a substitute groom in

calmly. "It was about salvaging a strategic alliance that my broth

ct. I appre

I asked. "Preston was the heir. You were the soldi

artner who understands that a family is more than just person

ds hung in the a

do I get?"

, his eyes holding mine. "You get a partner who respects strength and in

o competent individuals, not a romance. He was a man of ho

ted Preston was a future of endless battles against Chloe's petty schem

y hand. "Alright, Caleb H

is grip was firm, confident.

han the original plan