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“Thank you, it would be great.” I close the door, grabbing my clutch from the side table and sweeping my gaze around the room. But it’s empty.
Higgins already took all my things to the jet, in case we’ll need to leave in a hurry. I just wonder what kind of trouble they’re expecting.
Stepping out of the elevator, I gasp as the vast room opens up to me as I arrive at the top floor, overlooking the scene. Skylights are open, bringing the breeze in. My gaze is drawn to the ceiling as a waterfall cascades down the roof into a pool. The ornaments of the stairs, kissed with rose gold and silver, are incredible crafts. The view alone from the glass windows is phenomenal. Everything here screams luxury and exclusivity, from the glass of bubbling champagne to the women in magical gowns and the interior design.
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sp; As I descend the stairs, the General appears at the bottom, extending his hand for me. “May I?”
Not seeing Mark around, I link my arm with his, catching the sight of musicians playing an upbeat tune. “Of course.”
Abbas leads me through the room full of people, not bothering to engage with me or explain anything. He speaks in Arabic, sometimes Turkish, and English with the people he stops to greet and I have no chance to network. I stand there next to him and smile, like a little doll in a silky evening dress and high heels. But I don’t take offense, not this time since I promised Mark to be his teammate. Instead, I search the room, hoping to catch him or Higgins. But I see no one.
“General Abbas, do you know where Mr. Lawson is?”
“He needed to check things before the speech, and I promised to look after you while he’s unavailable.”
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Abbas. I’m very honored.”
He smirks, stopping to grab a flute of sparkling wine for us both. When he passes me my drink, his gaze burns like dark pits as he regards me. “You look stunning, Mrs. Cade.” He drags his hard gaze up to my form, and my skin crawls. “Your in-laws will be glad to hear you represented your family exceptionally well.”
“I learned from the best,” I quip as we come closer to the window. People part, allowing us to pass, their heads dipping in respect.
“I want you to meet someone.”
“Of course.” I smile, seeing nothing and hearing only my deafening pulse in my ears. How the hell are Darren and Helen micromanaging my every move?
When he introduces me to a middle-aged man, I’m way too distracted to care.
“Your family has big plans for you.”
I jerk, startled as if just now I have become aware of my surroundings.
“How so?” I humor him.
“There are rumors that one of the most lucrative European tycoons has set eyes on you. This union could secure your family’s position in Europe’s economy for decades. Your relationship with Mr. Lawson isn’t favorable.” His cold tone chills me to the bone. “It would be better if you cease this behavior and go back to your family. Every woman has duties to perform, and you are no exception, Mrs. Cade.”
Arranged weddings are very common with founding families, moguls, business magnates. And since I’m Logan’s widow, I’m falling in that bracket as well. If I fail to separate from this family’s legacy to dominate the world, I fear my kids might be dragged in it too. That’s why I need to build my life outside of the Cades’ empire before they suck us into this brutal cycle.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” I play dumb, uncomfortable to be in his company.
“I think you know exactly what I mean, Mrs. Cade.” He kisses my hand, seating me at the table, but his dark gaze is like a punishing whip.
Ovations reverberate through the room and the lights dim, illuminating the host on the stage. My pulse races so fast I can barely hear my own thoughts. I scan the room full of guests, eyeing me from their tables. Where are you, Mark? But before I can slip away to look for him, the General’s hand coils around my headrest as he leans to speak to me.
“There are many ways to make a woman yield.” His words send nipping fear through me. “Don’t make your family use any of those means to pull you in line. Mr. Lawson might be a brilliant, resourceful man, but even he can’t claim you as his without consequences.”
My shaky hand wraps around the glass of water, while my pulse drums loud in my temples. I press my heels into the ground to stop my knees from bouncing.
“Who asked you to frighten me, General?”
His pitiless gaze turns to the stage.
“I’m not promised to anyone. I’m no ones to be promised.”
“Aren’t you?” he remarks, flinging his gaze over to me. The implication of those two words burrows deep inside of me. “Your name suggests differently.” All blood leaves my face. “You don’t own your faith anymore.” Family does.
Mark strolls into the room, full of confidence with a black designer suit, immaculate appearance, bringing this positive reaction from the crowd. Ovations and appreciative hoots resonate around me as he stands on stage.
