Cletus walked into the penthouse with forced confidence, his eyes scanning the room like he was already calculating what belonged to him, and Aryyah felt disgust rise in her throat at how transparent his greed had become.

"So," Cletus said, attempting his charming smile. "Have you thought about what I said? About getting married immediately?"

"I've thought about a lot of things," Aryyah replied, her voice cold. "Sit down, Cletus."

Something in her tone made him hesitate, his smile faltering ...