"Explain," Kade said, voice low and dangerous. "Now."
Seraphina's composure cracked further, the careful mask she wore in every boardroom and every hallway finally slipping enough to show something rawer underneath — exhaustion, and something close to genuine fear, the kind that didn't seem practiced no matter how carefully Mia searched her face for signs it might be. "My father didn't order this because he wanted the wedding to stop. The withdrawal demand was part of the test."
Mia stared at her. "What test?"
Seraphina's eyes moved to Kade, lingering there a moment before she could make herself answer. "To see what happens when you think you're about to lose him."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only piece I actually have," Seraphina said, something defensive creeping into her voic
