"You are taking her to Grandpa?" Denis echoed, the irritation swelling in his voice. "You are doing all of this without even asking me? You are forcing me into this marriage. Do you seriously think Grandpa will accept someone like her? A woman with no name, no status?"
Jeanne's expression hardened, and the last thread of her composure snapped. "Then why were you with her?" she snapped. "Why did you sleep with her? Why parade her around at the auction like a prized jewel and throw money at her if she meant nothing to you? Stop acting like a child. You made a mistake—now don't run away from your responsibility. Marry her."
"I won't," Denis exploded, rising from the sofa in one swift motion. His chest heaved with anger. "I've already told you—it was a mistake. I never meant to be serious with Tania, and that baby was an accident. If you force this on me, I swear I'll leave and never look back."
