Page 27 of Lords of Ruin: Cherished

She tilts her head, studying me like I’m an unruly child testing boundaries. “Your future, this family’s estate, not everyone can have access to all this money and power.”

I let out a short laugh. “You’re serious?”

Her lips curve, but there’s nothing pleasant about it. “You’ve always been spoiled. Always believed you could push and push without consequence. But let me make something very clear.” She leans forward, voice dropping into a hum of cold and lethal. “Youwill notembarrass this family.”

I set my glass down, leveling her with a look. “You can’t disown me, Angie. I’mhisson.” I flick my gaze to my father, expecting at least a flicker of hesitation, of guilt.

I chuckle, slow and deliberate, as I swirl the wine in my glass. “So that’s the ultimatum? Marry who you pick, or I’m out?”

Angie doesn’t hesitate. “Precisely.”

I glance at my father, expecting resistance, but he only sighs, rubbing his temple like this conversation exhausts him. LikeIexhaust him.

“This isn’t a punishment, Vincent,” he says, his voice infuriatingly calm. “It’s about securing the future—for you, for the family.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “No, it’s about control. About making sure I stay on the leash, like a good little heir.” I shake my head. “Not happening.”

Angie’s lips press together before she exhales, exasperated. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be.”

I arch a brow. “Am I?”

Her nails tap against the table in quick, calculated beats. “This girl—Willow—she’s not one ofus.You know that.”

“I don’t care.”

Angie’s smile is thin and sharp. “Then you should. Because if you go through with this—if you insist on marryingher—you are no longer a part of this family. No name. No money. No protection.”

My father says nothing.

I lean back, letting the weight of her words settle. “You’d actually do it.”

Angie tilts her head, eyes gleaming. “Try me.”

I glance at my father again, waiting for him to contradict her, to saysomething—but all he does is exhale, staring down at his untouched plate.

A slow, humorless smile stretches across my lips. “Wow.” I push back my chair, rising to my feet. “You know, I always thought there was a line you wouldn’t cross. That maybe, just maybe, there was some part of you that gave a damn about me outside of whatever legacy you’re trying to protect.” I shake my head, scoffing. “Guess I was wrong.”

“Vincent,” my father starts, but I hold up a hand, cutting him off.

“Save it.” I adjust my jacket, forcing a smirk I don’t feel. “You want me to pick between Willow and this family?” I meet Angie’s smug gaze head-on. “Then enjoy your perfect little dynasty. Because Ichoose her.”

I turn and walk out, my father’s silence following me the whole way.

9

WILLOW

Isit in Dr. Peter's office, trying not to fidget as I stare at the diagrams of human hearts plastered on the wall. My own heart feels like it's trying to escape my chest, which is ironic considering I'm here to get it replaced.

Cast sits beside me, his imposing frame making the hospital chair look like doll furniture. His suit is impeccably pressed despite the autumn wind, and the gold rings on his fingers catch the fluorescent light whenever he moves his hands. Most people would never guess he's one of the most feared men in the city. To them, he probably looks like an overprotective boyfriend or maybe a bodyguard.

To me, he's both protector and problem.

"You didn't have to come," I mutter for the fifth time since I was wheeled into this room.

Cast doesn't even glance my way. "We've been over this, Cariña. Where you go, I go."

Warmth flares in my chest, but before I can respond, the door opens, and a woman steps in with quiet authority.

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