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A blush creeps onto my cheeks. “Right.”
“Well, we’re here together now,” Penelope says, but her face reveals the situation's awkwardness.
“Yes. My family together as one. Let’s not fight over something as petty as food.” My father flicks his fingers at the chef waiting in the corner. “Bring my daughter something else.”
“Of course, sir.”
The chef quickly comes to take my plate.
Felix stares at me like it’s my fault they didn’t take his too.
“So, Lana, how are your studies coming along?” my father asks as he takes a bite.
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m getting good grades, and it’s not that hard so far,” I lie.
I don’t want him to worry about me.
“And have you made friends besides Crystal, and of course Jason?”
“Definitely,” I reply.
“Irina and …” Penelope mutters.
“Brooke,” I say.
“Right. I’ve seen you around with them. At one of the Rivera clubs too, right?” she muses.
My veins grow icy cold, and I put down my fork. “I wasn’t feeling well that day.”
“That’s a shame,” my father says. “I mean, you should be able to enjoy your time off at campus while you still have it.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Well, once you finish with your studies, much work will be waiting for you. I suppose it’ll all depend on how much your future husband will take on so that you’ll still have some time—”
“I’m sorry, what?” I say and glance at Jason. “Future husband?”
“Wow … what?” Jason seems confused.
“Yes. We already talked about this.” My father’s eyes almost bore a hole into my head. “You carry our name. That comes with certain privilege but also with obligations.”
“Obligations …” I hold the napkin in my hand so I have something to squeeze. “You mean marriage?”
“The Rivera empire must be continued,” he says, taking another bite. “You know that. And Felix won’t be able to do it on his own.”
“That’s not fair,” Felix barks. “I’m more than capable of—”
“Fighting for our name, yes.” My father interrupts. “But we need someone to make alliances as well, someone to barter deals, someone with wit and the balls to hold off when needed.”
Penelope snorts and hides her laughter behind her sleeve when Felix throws her a killer glare. And I kind of dig the low-ball insult to his intelligence.
“My point is, you two form a good team,” my father continues. “And for a business to be successful, it must be run by a family unit. You’re on your own, you need a trusting partner, and I have my connections.”
My eyes widen, but I don’t even know how to respond.
“Well.” Jason clears his throat. “As it stands, my family and their aviation company are well known across America. I intend to take over for them one day, so of course I would be more than happy to join hands with your esteemed family.” Jason grabs my hand. “And I am more than willing to marry your daughter.”
I have to put a stop to this.
