Page 173 of By His Vow

Betrayal drips through my veins. It’s bitter, poisonous.

I thought we were…connecting, growing.

But in reality, all he was doing was focusing on the end goal. Ensuring he hit all the requirements of my father’s will to get what he wants.

Warner Group.

He wants to acquire my family company to further his own career, his own wealth.

He isn’t interested in me. In a relationship with me. In a future with me.

He was just making all the right noises to ensure I go along with him.

Fuck.

“Maybe not, Tate.”

“Why are you defending him all of a sudden?” I snap. “I thought you hated him.”

“I thought you hated him,” she counters.

“I do. I need to go.”

“Me too. Lunch?” she offers as olive branch.

“Tacos?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Okay. Normal place?”

“You got it. See you in a few.”

She cuts the call before I do, and I slump back in my chair.

He did this. I know he did.

Ikeep my cell on silent all day. The thing doesn’t stop. People I know message to congratulate me, and random unknown numbers call incessantly. I can only assume that they’re reporters wanting to get firsthand information on the engagement that’s sent the entire city into meltdown today.

I knew Kingston had a public image, that he was often photographed and talked about in the local media. But I had no idea it was to this extent.

Ten minutes before I was due to leave the building to meet Lori, she called me to say that she was bringing the tacos to me.

She explained about the crowd of journalists outside her building wanting to ask my best friend questions, and then she tried to play off what it was like downstairs. But the second she left, I walked toward the window and looked down.

The crowd made my heart drop into my feet.

Dad wanted this.

He knew what a public engagement and soon-to-be wedding would do, and he demanded it.

Why?

Why would he do this to me?

My team has been incredible. All the questions dancing on the tips of their tongues have thankfully remained inside their mouths. The only thing they said is congratulations, and a couple of the female members of my team asked to look at my ring, which of course they gushed over.

Why wouldn’t they? It’s gorgeous.

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