I give them both credit. This was well played. “Wow, I’m totally impressed. What about your parents?”
“They’re going to be pissed as fuck, but I don’t care. I love my parents dearly, but this is one fight they won’t win.”
“And Levi?”
“I definitely don’t care about him.” She scowls. “His father wants to arrange his engagement within the next two months. So, as long as they don’t sign that contract before Wednesday, I’ve made a lucky break.”
“You certainly have.”
“I can’t tell you how upset I was with my parents for completely disregarding my career. It felt like it was nothing. I might act like I have my head in the clouds, but I know how lucky I am to have the talent I have.” She places a hand over her heart and smiles. “So, this is me fighting for my dreams.”
Spoken like a true Amazon woman. I wish I could have a tiny drop of her strength.
“I’m proud of you. I knew you could figure this out. Although it came close.”
“I know. I can’t believe how close I came to ending up a Stepford wife.”
“Yeah. I’m just happy you get to continue ballet.”
“Me too.”
I think for a moment as something come to my mind. Mackenzie’s father seemed to be in a hurry to sign the marriage contract, but Levi’s father didn’t sign it. That’s a little odd. “Do you know why Levi’s father didn’t sign the contract?”
“They had a disagreement on some share percentage crap I don’t give a shit about. Basically, Levi’s father wanted more than what my father was offering.”
That’s still odd. Mackenzie’s father has so much to his name that even owning a one-percent share would be a lot.
God, listen to me. Why am I stirring the pot? Even if it is weird, Mackenzie has it all figured out.
She’s free from her worries. I’m not. I still have many rivers to cross.
“Isabelle, I’m free. Regardless of what happens with my parents, I don’t have to marry Levi.” Her face brightens. “Come with me on Wednesday. There’s going to be a huge party at the auction.”
“My dad’s coming to see me Wednesday. I’ll be away all day.”
“But the party is at nighttime.” She giggles. “And I happen to know you’re free that night. You have no excuse, Miss Lady.”
“I just don’t know what frame of mind I’ll be in by then. I don’t want to plan too far ahead.”
Her chest caves. “Please don’t tell me you’re worrying about Chancellor Federov again.”
Chancellor Federov…
That asshole doesn’t deserve the title of chancellor.
“I want to be on the safe side.”
“Isabelle, you’re going to be fine.” She rests a hand on my shoulder. “Not planning to go to a party on Wednesday night because you’re worrying about tomorrow is silly.”
“I know.”
“Then come on, say yes. It’s going to be a blast. The biggest party of the year. It’s not even going to be held on campus. And I need you there. Please don’t make me go all by myself. Plee-ee-se”
Oh, Mackenzie, you certainly know what to say to wrap me around your finger.
“Okay, fine. I’ll go.”
“Yayy! It’s gonna be fun. And you will be okay. I hear Chancellor Federov is one of the nicest guys ever. It doesn’t matter that Kade is his godson.”