Page 132 of Far

“Of course, it means I’ll be busier than ever.” Trent places a hand on Ella’s shoulder. “But that’s why I’m so happy Ella is focusing more on supporting me these days. An actress’s schedule can be so unpredictable, you know? It’s better for everyone if she’s available when I need her.”

Ella opens her mouth as if to protest, but Trent barrels on, oblivious. “Plus, let’s be real, acting is such an unstable career. She’s lucky to have me to take care of her.”

I grip my fork tighter, rage simmering in my veins. How dare he dismiss Ella’s passion like that? Acting is her dream, her life. She’s worked so hard for every role, every scrap of recognition.

Ella tries again to interject. “Actually, I—”

But Trent cuts her off with a wave of his hand. “Babe, I’m talking. Anyway, as I was saying...”

Connor nudges me, raising an eyebrow, clearly sharing my disgust. At least someone else sees through Trent’s bullshit.

As Trent pontificates on the merits of some new golf club he’s joined, I study my sister. The sparkle in her eyes has dimmed, her shoulders hunched. This isn’t the vibrant, driven Ella I know. Trent is suffocating her, bit by bit.

“Well, that’s certainly impressive,” my mother says. “Though I must say, I’m surprised you two are… How should I put this…” She pauses, pretending to search for the right words while glowering at Ella. “Waiting to make it official.”

My sister’s face goes pale. “You mean get married?”

“Soon, hopefully.” Trent reaches over and gives Ella’s hand an awkward pat. “I just asked her yesterday. It was very spontaneous.”

“Congratulations.” My mother claps her hands.

“Where is the ring, then?” I ask.

Trent flashes a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, it’s being adjusted. You know how it is with these custom pieces. Takes time to get it just right.”

Ella fidgets with her fingers.

Trent chuckles, patting his stomach. “Plus, we had to resize it a second time. Someone’s been indulging lately, if you know what I mean.” He winks at Ella, who shrinks further into her seat.

I clench my jaw so hard my teeth ache. How dare—

“No,” Ella says quietly.

Trent stops mid-sentence, his brow furrowing. “What was that, babe?”

“Nothing. If you excuse me for a second, I need to go to the bathroom.” Ella stands up and leaves the room.

“I’ll be right back.” Trent follows her out.

My mother taps on my shoulder. “So that means I only have one daughter left to marry off.”

“I’m perfectly happy with my career, Mother,” I say, keeping my voice level. “I don’t need a man to complete me.”

She sighs, shaking her head. “You say that now, but what about in a few years? When all your friends are married with children, and you’re still alone?”

I open my mouth to argue, but my father cuts in. “If Mary is happy, then I’m happy too. She’s a smart, capable woman. In fact…” He turns to me. “I’ve been thinking, Mary. We should take the necessary precautions for you to take over the firm soon.”

I blink, stunned. Did I hear him right? Me, take over the family business?

“What?” my mother sputters. “Richard, you can’t be serious.”

But my father just smiles, ignoring her. “I think she’d be great at it. She’s already doing an amazing job in her current role. With a little more training and experience, she could easily step into my shoes.”

All these years, I’ve been so focused on proving myself, on carving out my own path. I never even considered the possibility of taking over for my father because I thought he would never let me. I thought they would marry me to some businessman, who then took over, and I was left to play housewife. But now, hearing him say it… something clicks into place.

This is what I want. This is what I’ve been working toward all along, even if I didn’t realize it. The late nights, the extra projects, the constant need to be better, do more. It was all leading here.

A grin spreads across my face. “I’d love that, Dad.”

---