I exhaled slowly before replying. “Do you really want me to answer that?” I asked. The room was filled with silence.
I sighed. “Fine. I’ll spell it out for you.
I took a step forward; I locked my eyes with Edric’s. “I know exactly why the Langstons are so desperate to form this marriage alliance. Your power isn’t what it used to be. Your businesses are struggling, your allies are pulling away, and worst of all—your foothold in North City is slipping. The families that once stood behind you are now questioning your strength.”
The rest of the family sat there frozen in shock.
“How—” Edric wanted to say something, but I cut him off.
“Don’t bother asking how I know. Just know that I do. And if I know, then so do others as well.”
Mr. Langston tightened his grip on his cane, he wasn't loo
