To save the family, she was the price.
I froze, not believing the headline on my computer screen.
My phone vibrated, pulling me back to the present — Dad wanted me in his office. I read the headline again.
Corporate raider, Carl Wilder, is expected to make a bid for Doyle Healthcare later today.
I shivered. This company was my family’s legacy. Wilder would devour it with all the compassion of a great white shark and spit out the pieces. I made my way to Dad’s office and closed the door behind me.
He stood in the corner, looking out over the city. “Have a seat, Brooke.” He didn’t turn around.
I sat. “Is it true about Wilder?”
“Three generations, and it has come to this,” he muttered as he strode behind his desk and slumped into his seat. “I’ve been forced to make a deal to save the company. And Brooke, I had no choice.”
Nervously recrossing my legs, I waited for more.
“I had to promise you.”
I cocked my head. “Promise me what?”
The door behind me opened.
Dad stood. “Thank you for joining us.”
I turned to see the devil himself walk in with his trademark swagger. I’d met Dante Cavallo, the president of our chief rival at industry events, but why had Dad invited him today?
“I brought the contract.” Dante slapped a pile of papers down on Dad’s desk. “There’s only one minor change. Sign them and Brooke and I can go.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” The thought repulsed me so much I couldn’t hold the words back.
Dante’s gaze landed on Dad. “Didn’t you tell her?”
“You’re early,” Dad growled.
Dante turned toward me. “We’re getting married.”
Shocked, I whirled toward Dad. “What did you promise him?”
“You will do this for the family,” Dad commanded.
