“Of course I didn’t know! Are you serious?” I say tightly. “I didn’t know anything about it, and if I had, I would’ve begged Leonidasnotto do this.”
Because it’s crazy.
“I had to make sure.” His brows draw together, but he gives a curt nod.
“Also, I don’t appreciate the implication that I somehow collaborated with your grandfather to spring this on you. Like who do you think I am?”
“She literally fainted, idiot,” Margot hisses from her place on the sofa. “That’s not what happens when someone’s plotting against you.”
“You’re still here?” He scowls at her and snorts.
“Yes. I’m supporting my friend like a functional human being.” Margot waves a hand at me. “What else do you expect me to do? Drown myself in cocktails? If that’s how you want to grieve, Ethan, fine, but count me out. We both know that’s a great way to get PopPop’s ghost to come back and kick your ass.”
“How about supporting your brother?” he rumbles like a thunderhead. “You know I don’t drink like that anymore.”
Anger simmers in his eyes, mingled with the tiniest hint of hurt that’s almost relatable.
Margot rolls her eyes.
“Sounds like you’re handling it just fine. Aren’t you hiring an army of estate lawyers to fight the will?”
“Not the will,” he says, folding his arms. “Just the marriage clause.”
“Makes sense,” I say, losing my mind a little. “Wouldn’t want to lose out on the big inheritance, right?”
He turns the full force of his glare on me.
I’m almost positive the ends of my hair curl up and shrivel under the heat. My skin tingles.
“Damn right.” Every syllable could cut glass. “In the event I’m unsuccessful, I’m prepared to pay you generously for a mind-numbingly simple job. Walk down the aisle, sign a few papers, keep your distance, and wait half a year for the divorce.”
He nods like this is a perfectly reasonable proposal.
Wow.
My jaw drops. I feel faint.
He said it so bluntly.
Like I don’t have a choice.
Like I’m the kind of timid mouse-girl who’ll accept a little cash in exchange for a sham marriage and go on my merry way like it never happened.
Typical Ethan.
He hasn’t changed a bit.
I blink at him and he stares back, blinking much slower. God, even his blinking feels arrogant with him, and it makes me want to throw a smaller book at his head.
“Well?” he says when I don’t respond. “Did you hear me say generous?”
“Oh my God, Ethan.” Margot puts a throw pillow over her face. “You asshole. Please tell me that’s not your final offer.”
“Listen,” I say, holding up a hand. “I didn’t agree to this any more than you did.”
He makes an impatient gesture. “Doesn’t matter. I’m finding a solution.”
“Feels more like bribery.” My anger grows with every second. “You’re trying to pay me off, and not very nicely. Have you heard of flattery? A couple hours ago, this was thrown at me the same way it was thrown at you, and now you barge in here demanding—”
