Chapter 5

Just as I was about to call security to throw Claire and Justin out, they finally realized whose office this was.

Claire ducked her head against Justin's chest, embarrassed, and he just pulled her closer like she was something precious.

Then he turned to me, his gaze steady. "If you're mad, take it out on me, not Claire. She's your sister. Leave her out of it."

Before I could respond, he scooped her up like some dramatic hero, ignoring her surprised squeak, and carried her out like he owned the place.

The door slammed behind them, leaving Zachary standing there with that infuriatingly unreadable look of his.

I braced myself for something actually useful, but of course, he just said, "Come on, Ms. Sterling. A savvy businesswoman like you shouldn't waste time making average men feel important."

I took a deep breath. "Zachary, I expect that file I asked for on my desk in ten minutes."

If he was this chatty, he was clearly not busy enough.

Zachary just let out a little chuckle, looking completely unhurried.

Ten minutes later, the file landed on my desk—complete, of course—alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

"Fresh start, Ms. Sterling," Zachary said, grinning like he'd just won something. "Try not to stress."

******

Once Justin agreed to switch brides, my job was done.

Honestly, I thought I'd handled it perfectly.

The alliance stayed intact, business wasn't affected, and the happy couple got their fairy-tale ending.

Sure, Grandpa would need some convincing, but I had time to work on him before the wedding.

I thought this whole mess was finally over, but I underestimated how greedy people could be. Justin's mom, the same woman who'd schemed her way from mistress to wife, wasn't about to let her son marry anyone but the Sterling heiress.

And in her eyes, that sure as hell wasn't Claire.

That sent Claire into a panic, so she talked my mom into sneaking behind my back and going straight to our grandpa.

I was still at the office negotiating a deal when the butler messaged me.

By the time I wrapped things up and rushed back to Sterling Manor, their conversation was already winding down.

Right before I knocked, I caught my mom's hushed whisper. "Claire is fine too."

When I walked in, everyone went quiet all at once.

After a moment, Grandpa called me over, patted my hand, and shot a warning look at Claire and Mom.

"Helena was raised under my guidance," he said, voice sharp. "She's the rightful heir. Keep your games out of this family."

My mom looked like she still had more to say, but under Grandpa's stern glare, she fell silent.

Realizing she wasn't getting anywhere, she shot me a dirty look, grabbed Claire, and stormed out.

Part of me knew what they were angling for, but it was so absurd I almost laughed.

Did they want to swap me out for Claire because of Justin's mom?

Claire's idea of hard work was cashing dividend checks. And even if I stepped aside, what then? Claire could handle it?

While I was studying, she was chasing boys. While I was grinding, she was scheming to steal my fiancé.

How exactly was someone who only thought about love and drama supposed to run Sterling Group?

Grandpa built this company with his blood and sweat. No way was I letting Claire waltz in and wreck it over some guy.