Page 2 of Lucas

“Yeah, right,” I mutter under my breath.

“What was that?” He pauses his monologue and cocks his head.

“You think Cora would agree that you don’t meddle in our lives?” I challenge, arching an eyebrow.

“That’s different.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s a woman. Like it or not, if she behaved like you do, the consequences would be far greater for her.”

I shake my head in disgust. “I don’t even know if I should call that hypocrisy or misogyny.”

Dad sighs. “I know you don’t see it this way right now, but more than anything, I want you kids to each find your own path in life. Even more than my dream of you carrying on the Valeur empire. But you want this CEO position, don’t you?”

I nod, not sure I like where this is going.

“Then you need to clean up your act. Show that you understand the gravity of running an enterprise like this. That means no more appearing in vulgar scandals.” He picks up the newspaper again and shakes it for emphasis. “These types of articles and behavior have to stop. Immediately.”

“What does it matter to the board who I spend my free time with? It doesn’t impact my work.”

“It matters because this kind of conduct makes you look unserious. Untrustworthy. Like a man who thinks with the wrong head. No investor will want to put their money behind a company run by a notorious skirt-chaser.”

I snort. “So what exactly are you suggesting I do? Cut women out of my life and work non-stop?”

Dad looks me dead in the eye. “I’m saying it’s time you got married, Son. For once in your life, think of something bigger than getting your dick wet.”

I spring up from the couch, seeing red. “Not a chance in hell. I’m not getting married.”

The mere thought of being shackled to one woman for life makes my skin crawl. Even Dad, who married for love, ended up miserable. And cheating isn’t an option either.

“You have until the end of the year to get married,” he declares.

“Are you seriously giving me an ultimatum right now?” Fury burns through my veins. Where does he get off, lecturing me about marriage after what happened to Mom? This has to be some kind of sick joke.

I open my mouth to tell him exactly where he can stick his ridiculous demand, but the chime of the doorbell cuts me off.

“Who the hell could that be?” I narrow my eyes. Now of all times, in the middle of the most important conversation of my life?

Cora returns from the kitchen at a near run and sets a tray of tea on the table. “I invited Arlo over. I’m going to let him in.”

“Let Anika get the door,” Dad suggests.

Cora tilts her head and stands with a hand on her hip. “Really, Dad. I can answer the door myself. Besides, he’s my boyfriend, and I’m not about to send the housekeeper to greet him.”

Wait. My little sister has a boyfriend now? One she’s beenseeing long enough to bring home to meet the family? How the hell did I miss that development?

I sit up straighter, ready to check this guy out.

A few moments later, Cora returns, giggling and clutching a bouquet of red roses in one hand, her other wrapped around the arm of a tall and lean man with close-cropped dark hair. He smiles at us and nods hello.

“Lucas, Dad, this is Arlo Stein, my boyfriend.”

I stand and extend my hand. “Lucas. Nice to meet you.”

Alro’s palm feels cold and clammy as he shakes mine, his eyes darting around the room, taking it all in. I suppose it’s a bit of a shock coming to the Valeur estate for the first time. I can see why Cora didn’t want to have Anika answer the door—this situation is already nerve-wracking enough.

Arlo’s gaze lands on Dad, and I see a muscle tic in his jaw.The sap is practically quaking in his boots.