Chapter 2

He rushed down the stairs with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Without hesitation, he pulled Sabrina away from his brother.

"Kindly stay away from her," Finn said sharply.

Miller merely raised an eyebrow.

The brothers exchanged a brief look.

One filled with tension, the other completely indifferent. Then Finn turned to Sabrina.

His frown deepened. "Why did you leave so suddenly?"

He reached for her hand, "Come upstairs." He tells her but she instinctively steps back.

The thought of returning to that apartment made her stomach churn.

They had moved far enough away from Miller that he could no longer hear them.

Finn lowered his voice.

"One minute we're celebrating our engagement, and the next you're in my brother's arms?"

There was a hint of jealousy in his tone.

"Why did he have his hands around your waist?"

Sabrina stared at him coldly. The irony was almost laughable.

The same man who was about to become someone else's father was jealous?

The realization filled her with disgust.

"I almost fell," she replied coldly. "He happened to be there. Or would you have preferred he watched me tumble down the stairs and twist my ankle?"

Finn immediately softened.

"Of course not. It's just.."

His gaze drifted to the ring on her finger. He places his hand around her waist, caressing her in ways he knows she likes,

"Tomorrow we're telling my parents the good news. I'd rather you remain completely mine."

Completely his?

The same man who isn't completely hers?

The selfishness of his words nearly made her laugh. Even his touch made her sick to her stomach.

Sabrina clenched her fists. “Don't touch me!” She snapped, yanking his hands off of her. She wanted to throw the truth in his face. She wanted to demand an explanation. Wanted to ask how long he had been lying to her face. But the words wouldn't form. Because the moment she speaks, she knew she would break down. And she would rather die than cry in front of Finn. Or allow his family to pity her.

“Honey.. Did I do something wrong?” Finn asked, genuinely stunned by her sudden outburst.

"I have a headache." Her voice sounded distant even to herself. "I need to go home." Turning away, she slowly continued down the stairs.

"Sabrina."

Finn followed her.

"Honey, you can't just leave like this. What about tomorrow? My grandparents are anticipating the news!"

At that exact moment, a ringtone echoed faintly from upstairs. Finn paused.. It was his phone.

"Sab!" he called again.

His attention shifted toward his room.

The phone kept ringing.

By the time he looked back, Sabrina had already disappeared from sight.

For several seconds, he remained frozen. He didn't stop to think about it, he simply cursed under his breath and hurried upstairs to answer the call.

The following morning, the Guidotti family's penthouse was livelier than usual.

At Lucas Gudotti's request, every member of the family had gathered for breakfast.

The sprawling penthouse overlooked the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Sunlight stoned in, illuminating the elegant dining hall adorned with crystal chandeliers and expensive artwork.

Servants moved quietly between tables, serving coffee, fresh pastries, and an assortment of breakfast dishes.

Finn watched as his grandparents hugged Miller with a warm smile. Well, he arrived last night and they were yet to get over his presence especially since this is the first time in five years since he came home. Despite being eight hours older than Finn, Miller had always intimidated him with his actions and capabilities. He had taken the huge role of handling the headquarters, making their company the biggest sugar producing company in the world.

He took the company from 0 to a billion in revenue… all these right from a young age. He takes on most things Finn chickens out of. He never ceases the opportunity to impress their parents and grandparents.

Under normal circumstances, he would have already returned to the overseas headquarters. The only reason he was in the country was because their grandfather had personally summoned the entire family.

At the head of the table sat Mr. Lucas himself.

Despite his age, the old man's presence remained commanding.

His sharp eyes swept across his children and grandchildren before finally settling on Finn.

A knowing smile appeared on his face.

"Before I make my announcement," Lucas began, setting down his teacup, "I believe Finn has something he'd like to share first."

Several curious gazes immediately shifted toward Finn.

A few family members chuckled.

Everyone knew of his secret affair with Mr. Banks' daughter, Elvira. They had already guessed what the announcement would be.

Finn forced a smile.

His fingers tightened around his coffee cup. He glanced at his phone and not a single response from Sabrina since last night.

The plan had been simple.

She was supposed to spend the night with him. Then they would announce their engagement before the entire family this morning.

Everything had been arranged perfectly.

For the first time in years, Sabrina had completely ignored him.

A strange uneasiness settled in his chest.

She was more excited about today than him. Something wasn't right.

More importantly, he couldn't make the announcement without her present.

Finn cleared his throat. "I think Grandfather should go first."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

"Mine can wait."

The old man studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well."

The old man's gaze swept across the table. "I've been thinking about the future of this family's business, and.. I've been working on my will."

Instantly, the room grew quiet.

Everyone knew Lucas never spoke lightly when it came to the future.

Even Miller looked up from his coffee.

“That being said, I've made arrangements about the plantation and the company shares,” He announced.

Most family members shifted their gaze between Finn, Miller and their cousins.

Miller might be the president of Gates, but the grandpa was still the chairman who holds significant shares and his decision controls how policies are set.

“Finn, you've been an immaculate executive director in your branch,” He said and shifted his gaze to Miller, “And Miller, the work of your hands can't go unnoticed. I must commend you on our recent revenue. First of its kind.” His smile faltered a bit, “But there's a problem.”

Miller sat up, “If you're talking about the sugar quantity..”

“This is far from business, grandson,” He turned to Finn, “We all thought you brought a woman in last night? What's the delay?” He shifted back to Miller, “You too. This family needs a legacy to carry on our name..”

“Grandpa. I spoke with my husband, Joseph. He says he can handle it.” Ava, the twins' sister, spoke up.

“My husband too. He's willing, if you give him a try, grandpa.”

Miller frowned slightly, “What's this about, grandpa?”

“This is about who gets to inherit my shares and permanently becomes the chairman and President of Gates Sugar Corporation,” He revealed, “If your cousin's husband is fit, then so be it. But for either of you to get it, you'll need to get married in less than 30 days.” He said dismissively as he dropped his cutleries.

Everyone exchanged a puzzled look except for Finn. He knew this was going to be his grandfather's announcement. What he didn't know was that it was going to be this soon. Which was why he proposed last night.

Damnit. He should have never divorced Sabrina right away. She'd probably still be his wife and the president position would have been his immediately.

Yes, he shouldn't have filed for a divorce but how could he break such news to his grandfather? That he has been in a secret relationship for four years and in order to get into their dream country for vacation they had to get married without his consent or blessings?

If it got out, their family's reputation will be tainted.

Knowing his grandfather, both families could call for divorce before Finn and Sabrina. He knew it was only proper to do it the right way. A proper wedding.

Their grandfather was 85 years old and wanted to finalize this, so there's no conflict if he unfortunately passes.

Slowly, Finn's attention drifted toward the entrance once again. Hoping.

Expecting Sabrina to walk through that door and make him the president of Gates.

As Lucas stood up, Miller's deep voice was heard, “Is this a competition?”

“It's a wake up call for you and your brother.”

“You can't do this.. not after everything.. not after all those years of making Gates a success,” Miller's cold voice made even his mother go mute. They were used to his icy demeanor, but today was different. He looked almost terrifying, like something important had been snatched from him.

“Then be the first to bring a wife. Erica needs a mother figure. It's been 12 years. Or are you still yet to move on from Bianca?” Lucas' tone was calm and concerning.

“Miller, darling. He's right. We are beginning to worry.” Samantha, Miller's mum chimed in.

“Leave my daughter out of this,” Miller retorted.

“There you go. For the past 3 years, we've been selecting suitable women for you, but you've been turning it down.” Scott, their father added.

“Erica didn't like either of those women,” Miller said defensively.

“That little girl of yours has never liked any woman you bring home. She'd have to watch you lose your right,” Lucas said and walked away.

Finn and Miller sighed. This ridiculous idea was going to put them in a tight spot. They turned to look at each other. They couldn't read their minds, but they wondered who would get married first.