Augustine's jaw tensed and relaxed in rapid succession, the storm in his eyes revealing the battle raging within. A memory of his conversation with his grandfather surfaced.
The Beaumonts held sway over the entire city—everyone knew that. If they wanted something done, doors opened without question. It suddenly made sense how Megan landed the position so quickly. It wasn't about merit. It was about connections.
He turned toward Anne, desperation etched into every line of his face. "Anne, please believe me. I had no hand in Megan joining the company. She is not my fiancée. I already made it clear to Grandpa—I have only one woman in my heart, and that's you."
His voice cracked slightly. "I'm taking you to the family mansion. I want you to meet him and receive his blessing as my wife. No one—not even he can decide my future for me."
The walls she had created around herself began to tremble at the sincerity in his words.
