Page 169 of Sinful Pleasure

Theo Stone stole the physical traits from his father—his sharp features, his posture, and probably the same arrogance that Garrett carried with him.I wasn’t surprised.

I knew people like them.

Arrogant, entitled, thinking the world revolves around their power. And judging by the look in his eyes, Theo had inherited every ounce of that.

“I think it’s time to talk business,” my father announced, clapping his hands together, bringing me back to reality. “I believe you mentioned that you have information we may be interested in.”

Garrett’s demeanor shifted, nodding.

“I’m all ears.” My father leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Garrett.

“I have information about Martin King.” he said “We are all familiar withthe issues between you and The King Family,” Garrett continued, his voice cold, measured.

My pulse quickened. We’d been searching for Martin for months, and the mention of his name sent a jolt through me.

“Nothing that can’t be solved.” My father’s tone was calm, but there was an edge to it. He was intrigued. “I’m listening, Garrett.”

“I know where he hides.”

The words hit like a bombshell. I shifted my gaze to Mikael. I could see the same fire burning in his eyes—the same hunger.

All of this, everything I had been fighting for, everything I’d become, had been driven by Martin King. For months, we had been chasing shadows, but now, we had a lead.

“Good,’’ Mikael nodded. “You have my attention now.”

“But of course,” Garrett continued, his voice shifting to something more calculating, “this information won’t come for free.”

I had expected this. Nothing in this world was ever given for free. My father, as expected, didn’t flinch at the mention of a price.

“Tell me the price,” he replied, his hand dismissively waving. “Money is not an issue.”

“I don’t want money.”

Garrett’s words hung in the air. My father raised an eyebrow, clearly confused but intrigued.

“Territory?”

“No,” Garrett said, his voice low, his gaze shifting towards me.

And with that look, everything in the room changed.

“Her.”

My body went rigid. It felt like the ground had just shifted beneath me, and suddenly, there was not enough air in the garden to breathe. My chest tightened, and my heart raced as I processed what Garrett was saying.

Me.

I looked at my father, hoping this was some sick joke, but the look onhis face told me otherwise. His gaze flickered between Garrett and me, an unreadable expression in his eyes.Mikael leaned forward, his posture rigid and threatening, his eyes darkening.

“You’re overstepping the bounds of my kindness, Garrett,” my father growled, his voice low and dangerous, the words almost slipping out between clenched teeth.

“You misunderstood me, Mikael,” he said, his tone far too casual for the weight of the conversation. “I wasn’t offering an insult—I’m offering a solution.”

The words he spoke next sent a shock wave through the room, hitting me like a thunderstorm. My body froze, my heart hammering in my chest as I tried to process what I was hearing.

“I would ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage to my firstborn son, Theo Stone.”

The world tilted, spinning around me as I struggled to comprehend.

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