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“Despite how it looks, I care about her. Deeply. I’m trying to make this right. But I need your help.”

Bash searches my face.

After a long moment, he jerks his fist from my grasp.

“If you really want to be with Gem, you end things with Esther. Now. Then maybe... we can talk about how to fix things between you and my sister.”

I nod, reach for my phone, dial Esther’s number, and put the call on speaker so they can all hear.

Bash’s head whirls to Connor. “And you, fix your shit, too. I’m not dealing with mopey fuckers who suffer in self-pity rather than trying to fix things.”

After a few rings, Esther picks up.

“Elijah, baby. Did you finally come around?” A sly laugh. “Do you want me to come over now?”

“The engagement is over.” I keep my voice even. “You—”

“What? No, you can’t be serious!” Her tone rises in panic, making my ears bleed.

“You have two days. After that, I’ll be bearing the news to everyone.”

“You can’t do this! Do you have any idea what you’re throwing away? My family’s connections, the opportunities—”

“I don’t give a shit about your father’s business dealings with my family.”

What’s the point of having that if the price is my little gem?

“You can’t do this! What about your father? Are you really going to spit on his dying wish?”

Ah, we’re playing that card. Too obvious.

“He’ll understand. In the end, he already met her.”

There’s a heavy silence on the other end. I glance at Bash and the guys, their eyes boring into me. Yes, I was surprised myself that I had taken Gemma to meet my father.

“You did what?”

“He’s very fond of her.”

“He wanted you to marry me.”

“He didn’t, and don’t pretend this was ever about family legacy or my father’s wish.” My voice drops, ice cold. “This engagement was only about power and status for you.”

“So what if it was?”

Should have dumped her ass way sooner.

“Two days, Esther. That’s all the notice you’re getting.”

“Elijah, please, we can talk about this—”

“We’re done.”

Before she can get another word in, I end the call and block her number.

Bash claps slowly. “About damn time. I was getting real sick of her.”

I nod, rubbing my face. “Me too.”

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