Skylar sat at the grand dining table, barely touching the meal in front of her. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, tense—as it always was when her family discussed finances.
Her father sat at the head of the table, his expression cold, calculating. Her mother, elegant as ever, sipped her wine, masking her worry with practiced indifference. Across from her, her older brother, Nathan, scrolled through his phone, pretending to be uninterested. But Skylar knew better. He was just as concerned as the rest of them.
"We need to act fast," her father finally said, placing his fork down with deliberate precision. "The Carter downfall has left a gap in our network. We were counting on that partnership to strengthen our financial standing, and now…" He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
Skylar had heard this speech before. Their wealth, their status—it wasn't as secure as the world believed. The cracks had been forming for a while now, and with the Carters out of the picture, their situation had only become more fragile.
"We need to secure stronger alliances," her mother added, her eyes flicking toward Skylar.
Skylar stiffened. She knew where this was going.
"We've already discussed potential suitors," her father continued, his voice firm. "There are a few families we could merge assets with—"
"You mean marry into," Skylar interrupted, her tone flat.
Her father's gaze sharpened. "Don't be naive, Skylar. Marriage has always been about power. Love is a luxury for people who have nothing to lose."
She clenched her fists under the table. She hated this. Hated being treated like a bargaining chip, like her future was nothing more than a business deal waiting to be finalized.
"There's an event next week," her mother said smoothly. "The Kingsley family will be there. Their son, Damian, is single. You'll attend and make an impression."
Skylar's stomach twisted. She knew Damian Kingsley—a rich heir with an ego bigger than his fortune. He was exactly the type of man her parents wanted for her. Cold, calculating, and willing to marry for business, not love.
"And if I don't?" she challenged.
Nathan finally looked up from his phone, smirking. "Then I guess you better find another way to fix our financial problems."
Skylar swallowed hard.
They were serious.
Her future wasn't hers to control. Not unle
ss she found a way out.
But how?