The silence that followed Alex's simple rejection stretched for several long seconds. Sherry sat there, her hand still extended toward where Alex's had been, her expression frozen in disbelief."I appreciate the offer," Alex continued, his voice remaining calm and measured. "And I understand the logic behind it. Strategic partnership, combined resources, mutual benefits. It all makes sense from a business perspective."He pulled his hand back from the table, creating physical distance. "But relationships built on obligation are meaningless. I've already been in one marriage where duty and expectation mattered more than genuine connection. Where I was supposed to play a role, be a certain kind of husband, fit into a specific image of what my wife needed."Alex's expression became firmer. "I'm not doing that again. I'm not letting myself be tied down by what makes strategic sense or what other people think should happen. And I'm certainly not going to let anyone control me—not through w

Mia had just finished her call with Sherry when her own phone rang again. The screen showed "Father" and her stomach immediately tightened with apprehension. Her father never called unless it was urgent—or unpleasant."Hello?" Mia answered carefully."Mia." Tom Vinda's voice was clipped, businesslike. "Come to the family estate immediately. We have matters to discuss.""Father, I'm actually about to meet Sherry for—""Cancel it," Tom interrupted. "This is not a request. The family is waiting. You have thirty minutes."The line went dead before Mia could respond.Mia stared at her phone, dread settling in her stomach like a stone. When her father used that tone, when he summoned her to the "family estate" rather than just meeting at the office—it meant something serious. Something she wasn't going to like.She quickly texted Sherry: Something urgent came up with family. Rain check on drinks? I'm really sorry.Sherry's response came immediately: No problem. Handle your family stuff. We'

The words cut deeper than any physical blow could have. Mia stood there, staring at her father, feeling the last illusions about her family's love for her crumble away."So that's it?" Mia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm expendable. Replaceable. Just a bargaining chip to be traded away.""You're a Vinda," Tom corrected. "And Vindas serve the family first. That's the price of the privileges you've enjoyed your entire life. Now it's time to pay that price."He sat back down, the discussion apparently over in his mind. "The engagement party is next Friday at the Grand Harbor Hotel. Simone and his family will be flying in. You will attend. You will be gracious. You will accept the arrangement. Those are your orders.""Orders," Mia repeated, the word tasting like ash in her mouth."Yes, orders," Marcus said, smirking. "Welcome to the real world, sister. Where duty matters more than feelings."The fury that had been building in Mia's chest finally exploded. "I REFUSE! Do you he

Sherry's expression became complicated—frustration mixed with something almost like obsession. "I found someone. A man who's... different. Strong. Decisive. Brutal when he needs to be, but also principled. He helped me deal with a problem I couldn't handle alone."She poured herself another glass, her third already. "He's attractive in ways I can't even fully explain. Not just physically, though he is that. But the way he carries himself. The way he doesn't back down. The way he wields power without apology.""That sounds promising," Mia said, confused. "So what's the problem?""He refused me," Sherry said, the words bitter on her tongue. "I made him an offer. A good offer. Partnership, resources, a future together. And he just... said no. Walked away like I was nothing. Like my offer meant nothing."She drank again, her voice becoming more heated. "But I don't mind the brutality. I don't mind that he's harsh or ruthless. That's part of what makes him attractive. He's not some weak ma

Alex sat in the living room of Mia's apartment—the same apartment where he'd been living as her roommate for the past several weeks—checking his watch for the third time in ten minutes.It was past eleven at night, and Mia still wasn't home.That wasn't like her. Mia was usually punctual, responsible, the kind of person who texted if she was going to be late.But Alex's phone showed no messages, and when he'd tried calling her earlier, the line had gone straight to voicemail.Maybe her phone died, Alex thought, trying not to worry. Or maybe she's just busy with work stuff.But the nagging concern wouldn't go away.Especially after everything that had happened lately—the confrontation with Tony Romano, the takeover of the firehouse, the situation with Victor Rossi and Sherry Brown.Alex had made enemies, and while those enemies had been dealt with, he couldn't shake the feeling that Mia might be caught up in consequences he'd created.He was about to try calling again when he heard voi