Page 125 of Modern Romance Collection December 2024 Books 1-4

“I shared at the press conference that Rafael and I inherited our shares of Drakos Development. What I neglected to mention was that inheritance is contingent upon my marrying and staying married for a year.”

My jaw drops.

“What?”

The snarl disappears as the amused glint I’m used to reappears.

“I had similar, if not more colorful sentiments, when I learned about it three days ago.”

“What happens if you don’t get married?”

The fury returns, hardening his face as his fingers curl around the ring box like he might crush the diamond in his grasp.

“Then I lose everything.”

It sounds absurd, like the plot of one of the cheesy yet swoon-worthy romance novels I read when I have time. Yet the stunning viciousness of it is what hits me hardest of all. I know firsthand how malicious and selfish Lucifer could be. But to hear he inflicted that emotional brutality on his own sons makes my heart ache for the seemingly impervious man standing in front of me.

“That’s sick.”

One thick brow curves up. “On that we can agree.”

“What’s the purpose? Did he doubt your ability to lead?”

He glances over his shoulder at Grey House. “You know how cruel and capricious he was. Did he need a reason to torment his sons from beyond the grave?”

There’s a story there, seething beneath his supposed apathy. A story that, for once, I want nothing to do with as I shove away my sympathy once more. I don’t want this personal detail of his life. I don’t want to see the pain of his childhood, to feel sympathy for him.

But why?

The question passes through my mind and freezes me in place. Why am I so determined to believe the worst of Gavriil and Rafael Drakos? Because they’re related to the man who ruined my father’s life? Because they’re wealthy? I was furious when Gavriil accused me of being prejudiced against rich people.

Except...he’s right. I’ve spent my career exposing the lies and hypocrisies of the rich and powerful. I’ve dedicated my life to ripping the masks off predators who hide behind money and power. But now...now I’m wondering if I’ve gone too far. Focused so hard on the people I’m chasing that I’ve been blind to the innocent people between myself and my own goals. People like Gavriil, who might be an arrogant bastard, but who is nothing like the man who fathered him.

Gavriil is offering me what I’ve wanted ever since Lucifer stole it: Grey House. More than that, he’s offering me a chance to help Dessie, to secure the future she deserves even if he doesn’t seem to know about the woman who held my life together.

Except this choice isn’t as black-and-white as the first one I made when embarking on this journey—to reveal Lucifer for who he really was to the world and ensure he could never hurt an innocent person ever again. This choice is layered with pitfalls, such as sacrificing my integrity as I marry a man whose values center on the two things I detest the most: money and power.

One year ago, the answer would have been simple. No matter how badly I wanted Grey House, it wouldn’t have been worth it.

But now, it’s not just about me. And as I stare at the familiar pillars and turrets of the home I grew up in, I also know that the career I’ve poured my heart and soul into is no longer the driving force behind my existence.

It’s a punch to the gut. One that leaves me breathless and adrift.

“So?”

I blink and refocus on Gavriil.

“So what?”

He holds up the ring. The massive stone glints in the weak sunlight fighting through the clouds. It looks nothing like a ring I would wear. Ostentatious, over-the-top. Even if Gavriil is nothing but a brazen billionaire, his preference for the finer things in life is off-putting.

“Why are you asking me? We don’t even like each other.”

He splays a hand on his chest.

“You wound me, Grey.”

“With what? Honesty?”

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