“I can tie up your logistics in court for the next six months, or even the next six years.”

I felt a cold weight settle in my stomach.

This was my fault.

My presence here, and the quiet bond my daughter Emma was forming with this household, was threatening the stability of Julian’s entire operation.

I looked down at the floor, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I was just a housekeeper trying to rebuild my life after losing my husband.

Now I was the wedge between a powerful crime boss and the political powerhouse backing him.

“She leaves,” the Senator said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper.

“And you publicly announce the wedding date by tomorrow morning.”

“Those are my terms, Julian.”

The silence in the hallway was heavy.

I could hear the grandfather clock ticking in the parlor, each second sounding like a hammer blow.

Julian did not look back at me.

He kept his eyes fixed on the Senator, his expression completely blank.

“Vanessa is mistaken about Claire’s role in this house,” Julian said calmly.

“I do not care about her role,” Whitmore snapped.