Father did not answer her.

His mind was working, his eyes darting back and forth.

He looked at Nathan, then at me, and I saw the anger in his face slowly transform.

It was a look I knew well.

It was the look he got when he saw a business opportunity.

“Evelyn,” Father said, his voice dropping its harsh edge.

He replaced it with a smooth, false warmth that made my stomach turn.

“If you are indeed in charge of Nathan’s division,” Father said, leaning forward.

He tapped his index finger against the polished mahogany.

“Then you are in a position to help him,” Father said.

Nathan stiffened even further, his jaw muscle leaping.

“Father,” Nathan began, “please don’t.”

“Hush, Nathan,” Father said, waving a hand to silence him. “This is family business now.”

Father looked at me, a tight, demanding smile appearing on his lips.

“Nathan has been waiting on a recommendation for the joint task force command,” Father said.

“A very prestigious promotion,” Father added, his eyes locked onto mine.

“Surely, as his commanding officer—and his future sister-in-law—you can make that happen tomorrow.”