I blink. “That’s… terrifying.”
Dad nods grimly. “It looks bad. But unbelievably, it’s not how it seems. We have video evidence that mostly clears him, but the damage to his reputation is already done. He’s going to need serious legal and PR support if we’re going to turn this and his career around. The other guy is suing him, claiming he felt threatened despite being damn near blackout drunk. He’s also had other minor public relations incidents in the past—including a very public fallout with his ex-fiancée.”
“Okay…” I say slowly, waiting for the rest of the details.
“Cain will be lead counsel on his bar fight case,” Dad says, finally addressing my brother.
Cain rubs his temples, his exhaustion palpable. His caseload is already insane. This is the last thing he needs. But Dad, as always, is one step ahead.
“Only because it would be a conflict of interest for Rosie to be. But she'll be doing the brunt of the work and be his direct point of contact with the firm.”
I stiffen. Of course. Cain gets the credit; I do the work.
“Rosie, you'll handle interfacing with our PR team,” he continues, ticking items off on his fingers. “Build his case for court in two months, work on rehabilitating his public image, and ensure he stays out of trouble between now and then. You’ll also need to prep him for any upcoming appearances.”
I force myself to nod, though my brain is already racing.
Great.
I’m a freaking babysitter. I get to babysit a millionaire hockey player with anger issues and a PR nightmare for a reputation. Just what I needed to spice up my already busy workday.
This is hardly what I went to law school for and responsibilities that should fall to our PR team, not a junior partner at a prestigious law firm.
Beyond that, this makes absolutely no sense why I would be assigned instead of one of our hundreds of interns.
“Why would it be a conflict of interest for me to take this case? Do I know the guy?”
My dad smiles. It’s a slow, calculated smile that immediately puts me on edge. Then he leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers like a villain in some melodrama.
“Rosie, do you trust me?”
What kind of question is that?
Of course I trust him. When Mom walked out, he stepped up. He wasn’t perfect, but he was there playing the role of both parents, filling every moment of my childhood with structured schedules, endless ballet classes, and exhausting academic intensives.
It may have been overwhelming at times,but he was there.
He always said it was to prepare me for greatness, and maybe he was right. Harvard Law, top of my class, one of the youngest junior partners in the firm. His methods worked for both Cain and me.
But has heeverasked me if I trust him? No. Which means whatever he’s about to say comes with a catch the size of Manhattan.
“Yes…” I say hesitantly.
He smiles wider, nodding as if this is all working to plan.
“You’re an exceptional lawyer, Rosie. One of the best I’ve ever seen and have real potential here at the firm. But beyond that,you’re an even better daughter. Do this, and I’ll promote you to senior partner.”
I blink and my throat goes dry.
Senior partner?At twenty-nine years old? That’s unheard of. Even Cain didn’t make senior until he was thirty.
My mind is spinning. What could possibly warrant a promotion like that? What the hell does he want me to do? Work this case in Cain’s shadow while he gets all the credit? I've done it before. That’s hardly a sacrifice to get the one thing I've been itching to achieve in my career.
“What do I need to do?” I manage, keeping my voice steady.
“You’ll marry him,” Dad says simply, like he’s suggesting I go grab coffee with the guy.
“Dad—” Cain’s voice cuts in sharply, but our father raises a hand to silence him.
