Page 9 of Love Her

I supposed I should be glad that he wasn’t his father—who I hadn’t gotten any more horrible texts from in months—but I knew Uncle Freddie would be coming into town soon, with my father’s seventy-eth birthday party looming in two weeks.

Freddie Jr had avoided me ever since our fight outside his bar, and while I knew I should’ve suspected something was up with him, I hadn’t really had a chance to investigate further.

I’d just trusted in Rhaim.

Which, now that my father was ‘surprising’ me, and Rhaim had taken me like a man possessed, felt…unwise.

But I didn’t give anything away—I just smiled like a queen surveying her court, gracious and untouchable, as my father took a champagne glass from a passing server and tapped on it loudly with our family ring.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he announced the second people quieted. The warmth in his tone felt genuine, which only made me more nervous as he set a hand against my lower back. “This evening isn’t just a celebration of Corvo’s upcoming success—it’s a celebration of everyone in this room who is making it possible.”

Polite applause rippled through the crowd, and I fought not to shift under the weight of his hand—or Freddie Jr.’s calculating stare from across the room.

“I’ve been fortunate to have some of the finest minds in the financial world by my side,” my father continued, his attention sweeping the crowd. It lingered on a few key figures before turning squarely to me. “But none have made me prouder than my daughter, Lia.”

It felt like a spotlight had pinned me in place.

Whatever façade I’d walked into the party with cracked. My father had never told me he was proud of me before. The words landed like an uppercut, making me gasp softly as I blinked back tears before they could betray me.

And from the corner of my eye, I caught Freddie Jr. lifting his glass in a mocking toast.

“She’s stepped into this world with a grace and determination that I can only admire,” my father went on. “She’s proven herself to be a vital part of Corvo’s future—our future.”

The applause this time was louder, more enthusiastic, and I knew part of it was for me.

I’d finally come into my own—even my father had realized it.

“And as we look ahead to the IPO,” he continued, his voice dropping slightly, pulling the room in closer, “we’re reminded of the importance of partnerships—alliances that strengthen our foundation and ensure our success. Tonight, I’m pleased to share that Corvo Enterprise’s future is brighter than ever, thanks to a partnership that will unite two great legacies.”

A ripple of murmurs spread, as my father turned and gestured to an older man, who stepped forward—and I realized I recognized him from the news.

“Which is why,” my father continued, his voice steady, “I am delighted to announce the engagement of my daughter, Lia Ferreo, to Senator Marcus St. Clair.”

And now I knew why his hand had been behind me.

So I couldn’t run away.

The room erupted into congratulatory applause. Phones came out immediately—to spread the news of my engagement, to capture happy pictures of thisperfectmoment—while I was forced to meet the man I’d been given to for the first time.

No.

Not given.

Bartered.

St. Clair had to have something my father wanted, badly.

Badly enough to sell me for it, like chattel.

“Hello, Lia,” the senator said, offering out his hand.

It was either take it or run away for good.

Lose Corvo, lose my father’s respect for me—as if he’d ever had any!—and lose Rhaim.

I fought not to let my eyes search for him in the mingling crowd.

He must have known this was coming. And Freddie Jr., too—it was clear in hindsight.

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