The cheerful sounds of the ocean party faded into the background. Alexander stood on the sandy path, his face rigid as he stared at Marcus’s phone screen.
"An illegal marriage?" Alexander’s voice was like ice cutting through glass. "Richard is losing his mind."
"He used an old clause in the Vance family charter," Marcus explained quickly, lowering his voice, so Clara’s father would not hear. "He claims that because Arthur was once an employee accused of fraud, any family union between your lines requires board approval. Since he bought European stock, he holds thirty percent of the voting power."
Alexander turned to Clara, his expression softening just a little. He squeezed her hand gently.
"Marcus, prepare the private jet," Alexander said. "I am going back to the city to crush this be
