Page 60 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

“Right,” I manage. “Thank you all for being here tonight.”

“And thank you, Marcus,” Dad stands smoothly, saving me. “For welcoming my son into your family with such... enthusiasm.”

The subtle emphasis isn’t lost on Marcus, but he just smiles that snake’s smile. “Family is everything, isn’t it, Jim? The legacy we leave, the empire we build...”

“Among other things,” Dad replies mildly.

Dinner arrives—perfectly cooked steaks and wine. Crystal chatters about venue options while her mother nods vacantly, clearly medicated into serenity. The other guests add appropriate commentary about flowers and dates and all the details I can’t bring myself even to pretend to care about.

“June weddingsare so lovely,” someone gushes.

“Yes,” Crystal laughs. “Daddy thinks we shouldn’t wait too long. Right, Daddy?”

My fork freezes halfway to my mouth as I try not to choke.

“The sooner, the better,” Marcus agrees, watching me carefully. “Why wait when you know it’s right?”

“The band’s schedule… our tour,” I start.

“Can be adjusted.” Marcus’s tone brooks no argument. “After all, family comes first. Isn’t that right, Jim?”

Dad sets down his wine glass with perfect control. “Of course. Though these things do take time to plan properly.”

“Money makes everything move faster.” Marcus signals for more wine. “I’ve already spoken to several exclusive venues about dates.”

The room suddenly feels too small, too hot.

“Excuse me.” I stand abruptly. “I need some air.”

The restaurant’s back hallway offers a temporary escape. I lean against the wall, loosening my tie, trying to breathe.

“Quite the performance.” Dad’s voice makes me jump. He joins me, looking tired but determined. “Jaxson’s timeline?”

“Three weeks,” I whisper. “So, there’s time… I just hate all of this. How Marcus needs to control everything.”

“We’ll handle it.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Your mother would be proud, you know. Standing up to bullies was always her specialty.”

“I’m not standing up to anyone,” I say bitterly. “I’m playing along like a puppet.”

“You’re protecting what matters.” His voice turns fierce. “Sometimes that means swallowing your pride and waiting for the right moment to strike.”

“What if we don’t get that moment?”

“We will.” He straightens my tie with familiar hands. “Now come on. Let’s go watch Marcus think he’s winning.”

Back in the dining room, Crystal pounces immediately. “There you are! Everyone’s asking about our wedding dance. I was thinking something from the band’s first album...”

I let her chatter wash over me, watching Marcus hold court at his end of the table. He’s already talking about board meetings and transition plans, only thinly disguising his future plans to take over the company.

“Whatever you want,” I tell Crystal because it’s easier than arguing.

She beams, squeezing my arm possessively. “See? I told Daddy you’d be perfectly reasonable once everything was settled.”

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of champagne toasts and pointed comments from Marcus about ‘fresh perspectives’ and ‘necessary changes’ at Sterling Motors. Dad plays his part flawlessly, appearing just concerned enough about the company’s future without seeming suspicious.

By the time the last guest leaves, my jaw aches from forced smiling.

“Walk me to my car?” Crystal pouts prettily.

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