I make my way to my father's office and knock on his door.
"Come." His voice is clipped. A command.
When I cross the threshold, he pins me with a fierce look that nearly stops me in my tracks, but I suck in a breath and ask my question.
"Father, what happened toThe Lovers?"
"That painting is no longer your concern." He taps his pen on the legal pad before him.
"Not my concern?" I take several steps into the room, but halt at another pointed look. Intimidating at the best of times, his cold demeanor could freeze hell. "I would say it's very much my concern."
"That painting has been moved to a place of higher security."
"Which is where?"
"None of your concern."
"Father—"
"Silence.” He tosses his pen down and stands. Bracing himself on the table, he leans forward. "Your foolish dream has risked too much. You've placed our family's legacy at risk."
"I risked nothing."
"You risked it all!"
"How?"
"You brought our family to Merlin's attention."
"Merlin is dead.” I raise my voice. It helps suppress the lump forming in my throat.
"How can you be certain?"
Because Paul traded Merlin's life for mine.
"Why do you fear a ghost?"
"He knows Faulk’s secrets, my dear." He softens his voice, but that does nothing to ease the hardness of his eyes. "The Starling carries on his work. Your little foray brought the Starling's attention to you—and, by extension, the family. I don't need to tell you how damaging that can be."
"I doubt the Starling has much interest in us. Nobody knows we haveThe Lovers."
"If you believe that, then you are a fool." He arches a brow.
"Father."
"I've indulged you long enough. It's time you stopped chasing this dream of yours. I'm moving up the wedding." He shakes his head.
"No." My chest tightens, ribs constricting around my lungs. I'm not ready for my freedom to end.
"The announcements go out tomorrow. You have six months. You'll submit your resignation to Dr. Phillips."
"You can't do this. I've worked hard to make a name for myself. Don't you see what my position can do? What it brings to the Faulks name?"
"It has brought nothing but chaos and exposed us to enemies long thought buried. You did nothing to honor our legacy. Instead, you've threatened everything we've tried to build."
I ball my hands into fists. "I'm not resigning."
"It's non-negotiable. I've already arranged the meeting. You'll meet with Dr. Phillips in the morning." He sits and picks up his pen.
