The silence she left behind was deafening.
Cody stood at the bar, glass in hand, one brow lifted as he watched the front door click shut after Sophia's dramatic exit.
"Damn," he muttered. "She even walks out like a soap opera villain."
Xavier didn't move. His fingers were still curled around the envelope Sophia had slapped against his chest.
He slowly unfolded the letter, eyes scanning the elegant script that reeked of control.
> "The families will convene Saturday evening to agree on a formal engagement between yourself and Miss Callahan. Your father expects your cooperation."
Of course. Just like that.
His mother didn't ask.
She never did.
She expected.
Just like his father commanded.
The paper crumpled between his fingers before he let it drop onto the table.
"Well?" Cody
