Sofia dropped her hands and turned to Russ, her expression an uncomfortable mix of remorse and determination. “I thought we did, too, but more and more, it’s become clear you’re more focused on partnering at Pythia, not with me.”
“That’s not true.”
“Isn’t it? How many late nights have you spent at the office because you’re chasing potential clients? How many times have you ghosted me at the appointments with the caterer? The bakery? The florist?” He winced, but Sofia didn’t relent. “Yaya stepped in because you wouldn’t, and truthfully, I get that you love your job, but it would be nice if you could direct some of that dedication to us.”
“I’m not just working this hard for me—I’m doing it for both of us.” His response was both defensive and pleading.
Sofia gave him a small sad smile. “I know you believe that, but, Russ, I’m not sure my future is Pythia.” Her shoulders rose as she took a deep breath and quietly added, “Or you.”
Russ looked as if Sofia had gut punched him.
Where the hell is this coming from? As much as she wanted to cheer whatever it was that flipped the switch for Sofia, Cass was shocked.
Her parents, on the other hand, were quickly leaving shock behind and storming full force into piling on the familial expectations. Rhea caught Sofia’s wrist. “Sofia, you don’t mean that.”
At the same time, Elias said, “Pythia is your legacy.”
Their shared panic made Cass wonder what she was missing. Before she could dig for details, Sofia gently pulled herself free of Rhea’s grip then took both of her mother’s hands in hers. “And if it’s not a legacy I want…?”
With a sharp inhalation, Rhea pulled free from her youngest daughter’s hold and stepped back into a stiff Elias. Sofia slowly dropped her hands, which fisted by her sides. Anger, hurt, betrayal, and guilt gathered in the long moment of silence, leaving invisible wounds on both sides. The thin hold Cass had on her emotions began to slip.
Swanson ventured into the chasm of uncomfortable tension. “Maybe this discussion is better had when emotions aren’t so high. This has been a very difficult day.”
When Rhea and Elias remained mute, Sofia turned away to pick up Yaya’s letter from the couch, but not before Cass caught the raw pain that twisted her sister’s face. An emotional echo ripped through Cass, tearing away the last of her patience. It was clear nothing had changed with her parents—their demands were just aimed at a different daughter. But as far as Cass was concerned, enough was enough. If they wouldn’t protect Sofia, she would. She started for Sofia but only made it a few steps before Russ stepped in her way.
She pulled up short and met his glare even as she felt the air move behind her. “Get out of my way.”
He did the opposite, closing in until only inches separated them. “This is your fault,” he all but snarled.
“Back off.” That came from behind her, where Grayson had her back, and there was no mistaking the threat in his voice.
Russ ignored him and continued to stare her down. “I don’t know what you said or did, but this is on you.”
Icy disdain rushed through her and dripped from her mouth, each syllable cutting. “No, this is all you.” Cass then shouldered past him and made her way to Sofia. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.” She wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist.
Sofia swallowed, her attention centered on Cass as she refused to acknowledge the others and gave a tiny nod. Cass walked with her body between Sofia and Russ, trusting Grayson to keep everyone off her. She guided Sofia out of the space where she was trapped between their parents, Russ, and the couch.
They cleared the couches, moving within arm’s reach of Russ, and there was a flurry of movement as he went to cut them off. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Grayson was faster, sliding between Russ and Cass. “Don’t.” The one word was a clear warning.
Russ tried to get past him and failed. “Sofia!”
Sofia’s steps faltered, but Cass nudged her toward the door. In just a few more feet, they’d be in the clear.
“Your parents were right, Cassandra!” Russ yelled after them. “You’re toxic.”
Cass heard Sofia gasp. She came to an abrupt halt and slowly turned. Fury seared through her, turning the edges of her vision red. Not good. Maybe later, she’d admit to the hurt fueling it, but in this moment, she was just done with everything. Her parents. This asshole. She crossed the scant space, her heels hitting the tile in an ominous stalk. She got to Grayson and touched his back in a silent signal to give her room. It took a moment or two for him to step back, allowing her access to Russ.
“I’m the toxic one?” She held his gaze, refusing to hide the fury and disgust curling her gut as she faced him down. “Really? Because from where I’m standing, it’s not me trying to gaslight the heir to Pythia. That’s all you.”
“I’m not gaslighting anyone, but you’re a jealous bitch,” he shot back as his mask slipped, exposing a peek into the rage-filled man who was quickly losing control. “It’s clear you don’t like me, but now, it’s even clearer that you’re intent on ruining my relationship with Sofia.”
“You’re right about one thing,” she shot back. “I don’t like you, but Sofia does, and since I love her and want her happy, I kept my opinion to myself.”
His lip curled in a sneer. “Yeah, well, I don’t like you, either, but I’m not about to let you take Sofia away from me.”
“Sofia or Pythia?” If she hadn’t been so close and watching so carefully, she might have missed his flicker of guilt, but she didn’t. Gods, poor Sofia. “Yeah, that’s what I thought,” she said quietly. Unable to stomach dealing with him anymore, she turned away and started back to Sofia, who was looking at Russ, betrayed understanding darkening her teary eyes.
