Bound by Sacrifice

acquisition of Everlast Corp. was nearly complete, and with just a few more adjustments, it would be another je

board after the transition. Retain their key executives, but I want our people in the most c

. "Understood. I'll have the fina

t open. Claire strode in, her expressio

Elena Carter," she announced, dr

Claire, I did say I'll get it done so unless

ated me in class, not once not twice

e in front of him. "And what

ke her life miserable-whatever it t

t? Because she outperformed you in a discussion? T

n a thorn in my side for years. If we don't stop her now, s

the desk. "And you think eliminat

Are you going to

help. You know how to fix things lik

ghed. "I'll look into it. But I will not g

"I knew you woul

ied, while Ethan

na Carter. Where she's lived, her school record

cipating his request

ather but in a few more

ing." He grunted an

e life was on his de

of her class despite financial struggles. Lived in a lower-middle-class neighborhood. A single scholarship

the police herself, they hadn't gotten the money back but his stealing from his family has stopped. Three years ago, he nearly killed his younger son in a drunken stupor. Poor boy spent the better part of a month

murmured. "She's figh

working part-time at a diner to support her

o has cost her so much." He mutt

etermined, and willing to sacrifice for her family. A tr

his thoughts, his phone b

e isn't in the cards for me. It ne

issed Amelia as he dialed

cond ring. "Ethan, I do

I want us to be together.

ou-marriage isn't for me. Yo

one. "So what? You'll keep me around

an. That was your choice. And I won't

think you can defy me, Ava? You t

air. And if you think threatening me

ne wen

calm exterior. Ava had always been the one person

rk formed

irds with

e more. Hardworking. Smart. Bu

ke Ava lose her mind. There was only one solution, marriage. By the time he was done, Ava would realize her mista

to Amelia. "Prepare a proposal. I know