Silence fell fast.
Vaughn’s expression changed.
A little.
Enough.
Then I faced Cade fully.
“This arrangement is over.”
His brows drew together. “What?”
“Our deal. The public appearances. The smiling photographs. The sanitized little redemption campaign Miranda built out of my humiliation.” I swallowed the acid in my throat. “It is finished.”
A line appeared between his brows. “You can’t make this decision here.”
“Watch me.”
“Isla, think.” His voice dropped lower. “If you walk out now, Vaughn will keep circling. The press will follow you. Miranda has already structured appearances. There are contracts. Security. Sponsors. Your father—”
“My father can choke on his own plans.”
Vaughn actually laughed at that.
Cade ignored him. “You are upset.”
“Yes,” I said with a flat stare. “I
