Total pages in book: 177
Estimated words: 176345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 882(@200wpm)___ 705(@250wpm)___ 588(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 176345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 882(@200wpm)___ 705(@250wpm)___ 588(@300wpm)
“You wanted to feel more like a family.” My father interjects.
A blush creeps onto my cheeks. “Right.”
“Well, we’re here together now,” Penelope says, but her face reveals the situation's awkwardness.
“Yes. My family together as one. Let’s not fight over something as petty as food.” My father flicks his fingers at the chef waiting in the corner. “Bring my daughter something else.”
“Of course, sir.”
The chef quickly comes to take my plate.
Felix stares at me like it’s my fault they didn’t take his too.
“So, Lana, how are your studies coming along?” my father asks as he takes a bite.
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m getting good grades, and it’s not that hard so far,” I lie.
I don’t want him to worry about me.
“And have you made friends besides Crystal, and of course Jason?”
“Definitely,” I reply.
“Irina and …” Penelope mutters.
“Brooke,” I say.
“Right. I’ve seen you around with them. At one of the Rivera clubs too, right?” she muses.
My veins grow icy cold, and I put down my fork. “I wasn’t feeling well that day.”
“That’s a shame,” my father says. “I mean, you should be able to enjoy your time off at campus while you still have it.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Well, once you finish with your studies, much work will be waiting for you. I suppose it’ll all depend on how much your future husband will take on so that you’ll still have some time—”
“I’m sorry, what?” I say and glance at Jason. “Future husband?”
“Wow … what?” Jason seems confused.
“Yes. We already talked about this.” My father’s eyes almost bore a hole into my head. “You carry our name. That comes with certain privilege but also with obligations.”
“Obligations …” I hold the napkin in my hand so I have something to squeeze. “You mean marriage?”
“The Rivera empire must be continued,” he says, taking another bite. “You know that. And Felix won’t be able to do it on his own.”
“That’s not fair,” Felix barks. “I’m more than capable of—”
“Fighting for our name, yes.” My father interrupts. “But we need someone to make alliances as well, someone to barter deals, someone with wit and the balls to hold off when needed.”
Penelope snorts and hides her laughter behind her sleeve when Felix throws her a killer glare. And I kind of dig the low-ball insult to his intelligence.
“My point is, you two form a good team,” my father continues. “And for a business to be successful, it must be run by a family unit. You’re on your own, you need a trusting partner, and I have my connections.”
My eyes widen, but I don’t even know how to respond.
“Well.” Jason clears his throat. “As it stands, my family and their aviation company are well known across America. I intend to take over for them one day, so of course I would be more than happy to join hands with your esteemed family.” Jason grabs my hand. “And I am more than willing to marry your daughter.”
I have to put a stop to this.
I scoot back my chair and stand. “Look, I have no intentions of marrying anyone, let alone—”
Suddenly, my phone buzzes, and I fish it out of my pocket.
Nathan just sent me a picture.
I frown and open it up, but all it does is bring me more rage.
It’s my body on the pavement in that alley, covered in cum.
Nathan: Two thousand. That’s what I need. If you don’t bring it before eight o’clock tonight … this might end up in the wrong hands.
I almost crush the phone with my bare hands.
He’s blackmailing me?
“What’s wrong?” my father asks.
“I gotta go,” I say, right when the chef returns with my newly created dish. A perfect Caesar salad for a hungry soul. But I’ll worry about filling this stomach with food later.
As I march out the front door, someone grabs my shoulder and stops me. “Where are you going?” Jason asks.
“I have to meet someone. Now.”
“Can’t it wait?” he asks. “I thought you said this dinner was important. I want to make a good impression.”
“Yeah, well then go back inside and talk with my dad.”
“I can’t do that if you’re not there too,” he says. “He thinks you’re my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?!” I parrot. “Look, I don’t have time—”
When I take one more step, he grips my wrist and steals my phone straight from my hand.
“Hey!” I try to snatch it back.
His eyes widen.
Too late.
He’s seen the picture.
“What … what is this?” he murmurs, his voice laced with disgust. When he looks up at me with bloodshot eyes, I can barely look away. “Did you take this?”
“No,” I reply.
“Then who did?” he asks, swallowing. “You’ve been … fucking other guys? Is that why you’ve been so distant?”
I snatch the phone back from him.
“Why? Tell me why, Lana.” His voice fluctuates in tone like his ego is bruised. “Why would you do this to me? I thought we were—”