Page 51 of Temporary Vows

They knew that right off the bat. They could sense it, and I could tell, but my God, were they eager to please.

I suppose it’s not surprising. Everyone wants to marry into the Vale family.

The money and prestige alone that come with being associated with our family is enough to make it a life goal.

My brothers did well, and now I have fifty women to choose from. I just have to make the choice, or better yet, I’m so uninterested I could get one of my brothers to choose for me.

I sound bitter even to myself.

But this is what I want. Even if I weren’t being forced to get married, this is the path I’d choose.

A marriage no different from a business deal: a contract with terms, conditions, signatures, and mutual benefits. Nothing more.

“We are pleased with the terms you’ve laid out,” Mr. Yamaguchi Senior says, directing his focus to me. “Can we go over the additional equity portfolios before we sign contracts? I just want to make sure I’m clear on every aspect.”

“Certainly.” I nod.

I’m about to give him the breakdown when there’s a knock at the door.

Every head turns.

I can’t imagine who the hell that could be. Most people have gone home by now, and every member of staff knows better than to disturb us in here.

The knock sounds again, more insistent this time, and a prickle of irritation slides down my spine. “Come in,” I call out.

The door opens, and the ashen look on my secretary’s face tells me whatever waits outside this room is about to become my next problem.

“I’m so sorry to disturb you guys,” Elena says. “Dorian, I have a young woman here to see you. It’s quite urgent.”

A heavy weight settles inside my chest, and unease prickles along my spine. There’s only one person I can think of who would need me urgently.

“What’s her name?” I have to check.

“Elodie Harper.”

My shoulders tense at the mention of her name, and I stand as a knot of cold dread forms in my stomach.

Damn it. What happened to her?

On the screen, Mr. Yamaguchi is waiting for my response, and my brothers are looking at each other, then at me.

I school my features, forcing my voice to stay even as I look at Mr. Yamaguchi. “I apologize. I have an emergency I must attend to. My brothers will continue the meeting.”

“That is no problem at all,” he replies with a curt nod.

I nod back, then I’m walking toward the door, ignoring the eyes that follow me.

Elena and I step into the corridor and close the door.

“Where is she?” I ask.

“Your office. Dorian.” She hesitates for a moment. “She’s… hurt real bad.”

The words land wrong, and every part of me goes still, then I run.

Elodie is hurt.

Fuck.