"That is precisely the problem," Ivanka snapped. "He is more stubborn. More dangerous. And now he has a weakness."
The word hung in the air.Weakness.
Marquess Kosler narrowed his eyes. "You know what my daughter means."
The elder met his gaze evenly. "We do. And that is exactly why we did not push him further tonight."
Ivanka let out a short, scornful laugh. "So you're afraid?"
"We are calculating," the elder replied calmly. "Demian Morvex is not a young man who can be bent with old threats. The harder he is pressed, the harder he will push back."
Marquess Kosler scoffed. "Then what is your plan? To let him disgrace our family? To allow him to choose that woman over a formal bond?"
Her name was not spoken, yet everyone in the room knew exactly who was meant.
Another elder finally spoke, his voice colder than the rest. "That woman is no longer merely a kept companion. She carries Morvex blood."
