Rose’s POV

"Mr. Julius, refrain from instructing me on how to manage my family's affairs!" I broke, my voice trembling under the heaviness of my words. "I'm not a kid, and I won't allow anyone—particularly James—to determine what's best for my life." “Neither him nor anyone.”

The strength of my feelings surprised even me. I sensed the heat of anger searing in my chest, yet I would not yield. The thought of anyone, particularly James, seizing what I had labored so diligently for ...