Chapter 48

• Damien sat at his desk, the soft glow of his computer lit up the dim office as he scrolled through proposals that demanded his attention. The weight of the past few days pressed heavily on his chest, the tension from wedding planning mingling uncomfortably with thoughts of Charlotte that refused to leave him. He tried to focus, but the way she had effortlessly invaded his mind lingered, a testament to the emotional tug-of-war he was battling.
• The door swung open abruptly, interrupting his concentration, and his father strode in, face a mix of irritation and stern authority. Edward DeVille was not a man accustomed to walking softly through life; when he entered a room, it was meant to command attention and respect.
• “Damien,” Edward said, raising his voice slightly, “didn’t I already warn you about getting too close to Charlotte Sinclair? You need to stay away from her, for your own sake.”