CHAPTER 7

"You can't threaten me with my daughter's reputation, Richard," I said, standing up from my chair with absolute authority. "She made her choice when she allowed your son to treat me like an unwanted servant."
Before Richard could answer, another car pulled rapidly up the long gravel driveway, kicking up a cloud of dust before coming to a sudden halt behind his sedan.
Samantha burst out of the passenger side, her face swollen from crying, her hair pulled back into a messy bun, wearing simple jeans and an oversized sweatshirt.
"Dad! Stop it!" Samantha screamed, running up the stone steps toward the porch. "Stop talking to her like she's one of your corporate targets!"
Greg stepped out of the driver's seat, rushing after her with a look of frantic anger.
"Samantha, get back in the car!" Greg ordered loudly. "My father is handling this negotiation!"
"Shut up, Greg!" Samantha snapped, turning on him with a fierce intensity I hadn't seen in her since she was a teenager. "Just shut your mouth for once in your life!"
Richard frowned, glaring at his son with deep disappointment. "Control your bride, Gregory. We are trying to secure your future."
"My future?" Samantha laughed hysterically, tears streaming down her dusty cheeks. "You don't care about my future! All you've talked about for twenty-four hours is the property value and the press coverage!"
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She turned toward me, her hands shaking as she looked up into my face with raw, unfiltered pain.
"Mom..." she whispered, her voice cracking as she took a hesitant step toward the rocking chair. "I am so... so sorry."