xan

parent's estate, taking a moment to prepare m

as old as the oak trees lining the property, wa

, with stone façades and manicured gardens tha

ed it. Work could wait, but family obligations could

ide, where Martha, our longtime hous

iting in the drawing room. Yo

. Grandfather arriving ear

?" I asked, handi

husband. They arrive

banker husband Thomas, the power couple who nev

ed when I entered. Mother rose from her seat, elegan

ing. We were beg

"Traffic was terribl

his armchair, whi

of few words unless dis

ed around her shoulder in that possessive way I found irritating

is wheelchair. At seventy-eight, he might have lost some mo

arked. "Sit down.

rom him. "Good to see

with me, boy. I

of us manage to arrive

this about? I thought

issively. "Dinner can wait. This is ab

one paid attention. He'd built Carter Enterprises from a small family business

ating my will,

ftly. Father set

pped. "Just getting my affairs in order. And I'

the company, but Grandfather's controlling shares would

You've done well as CEO. Profits are up. The b

"Our last quarter was

humped his cane on the floor. "I'm tal

ughed discreetly. Vic

are you saying

aying that to inherit my controlling shares in Carter

ather actually put down his drink. Valentina looked up

ed at him. "You c

t change. "Carter Enterprises has always been

tted to th

his head. "You're thirty-three, Alexander. Your relati

riceless. Is Alexander getting married? He can't

Victoria," I said, forcing a smile. "A

huckled from the corner of the room

y. "Last year, we selected a perfectly suitable woman for him. The engagement

my tie slig

her continued, addressing the room like I wasn't t

enelope Langford? Such a lovely girl

ight for me,"

't like her. Said she reminded him of a corporate sp

sharing that, V

nt back to her phone. "Ju

terms are simple. Alexander marries within six months, o

pagne in excitement. "Really, Gr

d his posture, dollar signs pr

dismantled by your husband's investment firm," Grandfather

You're reducing the future of our family business t

onsequences," Grandfather replied

ictoria

table. Marrie

n't commit to a woman if your life depended on it. Now yo

Victoria's barbs for years, but this was

t, Victoria?

one relationship you've had that lasted l

ly watching the drama unfold, whistl

s. "I'll do it. I'll get m

fell sile

ather asked

igure t

exander Carter, CEO and eligible bachelor, desperately

we should start interviewing c

ding someone," I said

the corner, looked up. "What about that nice PR

d, Mother," V

hat about yo

g my assistant,

hand for silence. "The terms a

ander's impending nuptials! May he find

her father. "I'm already plann

fantasy while it lasts, cousin

Grandfather reminded me