He picked up his coffee cup, swirling the drink lazily.
“Emma is way out of your league, if anything.”
Harold shot him a seething look.
Alexander ignored it.
“Have you even looked at her properly?” he continued. “She runs one of the top auction houses in the world. Not just runs—it ishers.”
Sebastian nodded lightly, listening.
“Everyone says that she’s beautiful. And I’ve never heard a single bad rumor about her.”
He gave a short scoff.
“And you know how people love to gossip—especially about women as rich as her.”
He paused.
Then added dryly—
“And then there’s you.”
Alexander let out a quiet chuckle. He leaned forward again, resting his elbows on the table.
“Seriously though. What exactly did she see in you that she agreed to go on a date?” he asked bluntly. “Or was it even her idea? I find that hard to believe.”
Harold straightened instantly, his back going rigid as he snapped upright. He shot Alexander a sharp look, clearly offended.
“What’s wrong with me?” he shot back.
He let out a short breath, then continued, his tone rising with each word.
“I’m the sole heir to my family’s money and business. Everything my parents own will be mine. It’s not like I’m poor.”
His chin lifted, confidence turning almost aggressive.
“I match her in wealth. In status. We’re equal.”
He leaned back slightly, as if laying out undeniable facts.
“Moreover, I’m a Graves. Part of the Empire Group. Our auction house is ranked in the top three in the country,” he added, his voice edged with pride. “That beats top ten, doesn’t it? So it’s better than hers.”
A smug smile spread across his face.
“And I’m the only son of my family. She’s the only daughter of the Creeds.”
He gave them a small wink, looking completely satisfied with himself.
“We’re a perfect match.”
He looked almost pleased—as if, in his mind, there wasn’t even the slightest chance anyone could disagree.
“I didn’t know you were this happy with our relationship.”
Emma’s soft voice came from behind him.
The moment the words reached his ears, his entire body went stiff. His fingers tightened around the edge of the table, and he jerked so hard in his seat that the chair screeched against the floor. He nearly lost his balance.
