Mrs. White's stomach churned as she listened to their exchange, her dread mounting with every word.
She'd assumed her husband would threaten to cut ties with the Lancasters to force James into marriage—her goal was to secure Lori's future with James, not destroy his career!
Now with James stripped of his CEO title, Lori's wedding plans had flatlined completely.
"What about my daughter?" she pleaded with Barbara, voice trembling. "Our families' betrothal was settled years ago. Everyone knows Lori belongs to James—how's she supposed to show her face in public now?"
Barbara sighed. "The heart wants what it wants—we elders shouldn't meddle."
Robert cut in sharply, "You want our girl to beg for scraps? It's over. I'll find Lori a proper match—since when do Whites chase after reluctant groo
