ELOISE The dinner remained tense as guests exchanged glances and murmured about the unexpected turn of events. After the meal, as instructed, I joined Dad and Adam in my father’s study. The room was decorated with dark wood furniture, a massive mahogany desk, and shelves stocked with leather-bound books. Dad settled back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Adam as he studied him intently. “A partnership with the Waldorf family could benefit both parties greatly. But tell me, young man, is your motivation for this related to my daughter?” he questioned bluntly. It’s no surprise he’d have doubts about this whole thing. Adam sat properly, crossing his legs. Maybe he wanted to show my dad that he wasn’t intimidated. “Jonathan, my cousin, already told me about this. Our grandfather wants to e