I almost laughed — not because the proposition was absurd, but because it was so predictable. Twenty minutes ago I was dirt beneath his shoes. Now I was a valuable corporate resource to be exploited.

Griffin nodded eagerly, sensing the pivot. “The company’s expanding fast. With your background, we could carve out a lucrative consulting position. Paid appropriately, of course.”

“Appropriately,” I repeated, letting the word hang like a threat. Griffin’s smile vanished, and he fell silent.

My father pressed on. “Maren, despite everything, we are still a family.”

I glanced past him to the center of the room, where Calder stood holding Liora’s hand, his expression tense but resolute, both of them watching us.

“No, Alden,” I said, turning back to the man who shared my DNA. “Calder is family. You are just history.”