Daniel entered the room, his posture confident, his eyes flicking between us. “Catherine, a wedding is merely a formality. Rachel will accompany me. You understand that, don’t you?”
I smiled coldly, the sharp edge of my humor hidden beneath calm politeness. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of interfering with your happiness, Daniel. But remember—this house, these docks, and this family remain under my authority.”
He paused, frowning slightly. “I’m still willing to marry you because of our past… But you must control your temper. Your people, your authority—everything must follow my lead, at least publicly.”
The audacity of his words fueled my resolve. Daniel had grown comfortable in the illusion of dominance. He thought possession of Rachel and the ceremonial act of control could outweigh the legacy and loyalty of the Summers family.
“Do you truly believe,” I asked softly, “that twenty years of loyalty can be overshadowed by a single night of defiance?” My gaze pinned him. “That the Harbor docks could be taken from me with a few gestures and whispers?”