Griffith nodded in agreement. "We understand your desire for a honeymoon, but Amara is no longer a child. She's perfectly capable of managing on her own. We all have our own commitments, and frankly, this constant interference isn't necessary. Can we just go about our lives without being burdened?"
Hugh and Elias remained silent, though their body language made it clear they were not in favor of the situation. They were waiting for Henry's next move, knowing well enough that he hadn't finished speaking.
Henry's gaze hardened, his voice unwavering. "I don't care about your schedules or obligations. I'm asking one thing, and one thing only."
His eyes swept over the faces of his four sons, his tone firm. "I expect each of you to spend a month with Amara. Consider this a trial period to build a relationship with your sister. This isn't up for debate. It's an opportunity for you to understand what it means to have a sibling, to step up to the responsibility of family."
His gaze lingered on Amara as he added, with a softened expression, "Amara, sweetheart, what do you think of this arrangement? Will it be an issue?"
All eyes now turned toward her.
Amara, feeling the weight of their collective scrutiny, remained composed, though she could feel the tension rising in the room. The sharp glances sent her way made her uncomfortable, but she held her ground.
It was clear this decision had been made without her input, and while she hadn't been consulted before, she wasn't about to show weakness in front of them now.
She hesitated, not wanting to give an immediate answer. She knew that this forced arrangement might give her the perfect opportunity to interact with Sulivan Blackwell, a man she had unintentionally offended earlier. However, the thought of spending an entire month with her brothers was less than appealing.
But there was more at stake here than her personal discomfort.
Henry, seemingly reading the moment's tension, made a decision. "It's settled then," he said, his voice cutting through the uncertainty. "Diana and I are exhausted. We have an early flight tomorrow. We'll retire for the evening."
As he turned to leave, Sulivan could no longer contain his frustration. His voice, usually controlled, now edged with annoyance. "Father, this is too much. We didn't agree to any of this. You can't force us into something we don't want."
Hugh, though less vocal, added his disapproval. "Father, we respect your marriage to Diana, but we also have our own lives to lead. We can't just take on a responsibility we aren't prepared for. This… arrangement is out of the question."
Alden, ever the silent observer, simply nodded in agreement.
Jayce, on the other hand, remained unfazed, his legs casually crossed as he leaned back in his chair, saying nothing.
Amara could sense the opportunity she had been waiting for. This was her chance to deal with Sulivan Blackwell—something that might benefit her, even if she had to endure some discomfort.
She stood, adjusting her posture to project calm, but internally, she was conflicted.
"I'm fine, Henry," she said with feigned reluctance, her voice steady and clear. "Please don't worry about me. I understand. I've always been independent, and this… this arrangement might be a bit much. I'd rather go back to my routine at the publishing house. Today has been overwhelming enough as it is, but I'm grateful for everything you've done."
Her words were composed, but there was an underlying sharpness to them, as if she was making her own subtle power play.
Diana, who had been silent until now, couldn't help herself. She stood up and enveloped Amara in a warm embrace, her voice laced with concern. "My dear, I know this is a lot to ask. But your brothers should help you adjust. It's important that we build a bond as a family. Perhaps we should reconsider everything. Maybe you could come with us on our honeymoon?"
Diana's desire to protect her daughter and rekindle their bond was clear, but she understood that the situation required more than just a mother's wishes.
Henry, visibly frustrated by the tension, stepped in before Diana could go further. "Diana, that's absurd. How could we bring Amara along on a honeymoon? This isn't about that. If they refuse, I'll make sure Amara inherits everything—my business empire, the wealth, everything. These sons of mine will get nothing."
His words were uttered in a moment of anger, but they carried an undeniable force.
The room fell silent.
Even Amara, who had learned to navigate Henry's temper, couldn't mask her surprise. She wasn't sure whether Henry's threat was meant to be a serious ultimatum or a passing outburst. Either way, the impact of his words was undeniable.
The brothers exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the gravity of what had been said. Henry's promise to cut them off completely if they didn't comply left them with little room to maneuver.
But despite the tension, Amara couldn't shake off the uncomfortable feeling that her fate had just been tied to this familial power struggle. If they didn't cooperate, she stood to gain everything—but that was hardly a comforting thought.
Although Henry spoke in anger, his words still sent shockwaves through the room. Even Amara couldn't help but think he had lost his mind. If he actually followed through with his threat, she wouldn't dare accept it.