Chapter 14: Daddy Chooses

My father sat at Camille's table like it was a boardroom.

Grayson stood behind his chair with his hands in his pockets and his eyes on the floor.

Camille poured coffee for everyone and kissed the top of Gerald's head.

I hated how well she did it.

"Rosalind," my father said. "Sit."

I sat.

"I'll be direct. The Rhodes man has used you. He bought my debt, he bought you, and he made me look like a fool in front of my own board."

"You sold me first," I said.

His eyes snapped up.

"I secured your future."

"You put my name in a contract with a price on it."

"Every family does it. It is called an alliance."

"It's called selling your daughter."

"Roz, please," Camille murmured. "He's your father."

I turned my head and looked at her.

"Camille. Could you give us the room? I'd like to talk to Dad alone."

She hesitated for exactly one breath.

Then she smiled.

"Of course. Grayson, come help me with the cake."

"There's cake?" Grayson said.

"There's always cake."

She steered him out by the elbow.

The kitchen door swung shut.

I took out my phone.

"Dad," I said. "I want you to hear something before you say another word."

I put it on the table between the coffee cups.

I pressed play.

Camille's voice came out of the little speaker, flat and quick and bored.

She doesn't suspect a thing. She came to me, like I said she would.

My father's face did not move.

I'll have her at the church by ten. I'll have the dress ready. I'll handle her.

The recording ended.

The room was so quiet I could hear the refrigerator humming through the wall.

"Well?" I said.

He folded his hands.

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