“I refused to marry a man twice my age so you could close a real estate deal!” My voice finally rose.

A collective gasp echoed from the surrounding tables. Griffin grabbed my arm. “Lower your voice!”

I didn’t. That made it infinitely worse for them.

Alden looked around in panic, realizing the true power players in the room were listening. Senator Whitcomb had not sat back down. Judge Reed watched with cold judgment.

Harlan West was leaning toward his aide, whispering furiously, his eyes fixed on my father as though reassessing a liability. My father realized he was bleeding capital, and his tone shifted back to velvet at once.

“Maren, please,” he implored softly. “Whatever happened in the past, I want you to know — I am incredibly proud of you.”