The Enzograndes

Jason's POV

The screen lit up with the name of the one person in the world who could still make me feel like a chastened child, even at thirty-one years old.

I hesitated for a moment, watching Brenda disappear into the fitting room. Then I swiped to answer.

"Mother."

"Jason." Her voice was sharp, clipped, the tone she reserved for when she was displeased. "I've been trying to reach you for hours. Where have you been?"

"Out. Shopping." I kept my voice neutral. "What do you want?"

"I want to know why I had to hear about the O'Connor charity ball from the society pages rather than my own son. What are you thinking, Jason? Associating with the O'Connors after everything?"

"Mother..."

"Come home. Now." Her voice brooked no argument. "There's something we need to discuss. Something important."

"I'm busy. Brenda and I—"

"Brenda can come too. In fact, I insist. There are matters that concern her as well." Another pause. "Don't make me repeat myself, Jason. You know I hate repeating myself."

The line went dead before I could respond.

I stared at the phone, wondering what could be so important that my mother wanted to talk about, that couldn't wait. My mother had a way of making me feel like I was seventeen again—powerless, cornered, and trapped by the weight of the Richmond name.

"Everything okay?" Brenda appeared at my side, her street clothes back on, her expression curious.

"Fine. My mother wants to see us. Both of us."

Brenda's smile faltered. "Your mother? She wants to see me?"

"Apparently there's something important she needs to discuss." I forced a smile.

***

As we drove through the gates of the Richmond's estate, I felt the familiar weight settle on my shoulders. This place had never felt like home. It had always felt like a cage.

My mother was waiting in the grand parlor, seated in her favorite wingback chair like a queen holding court. She was elegant as always but her eyes were cold, and assessing like the eyes of a woman who had built an empire on ruthlessness.

"Jason." She rose gracefully, offering her cheek for a kiss. "Brenda. How lovely to see you."

Brenda stepped forward, her smile bright but nervous. "Mrs. Richmond. Thank you for having us."

"Please, sit." Victoria gestured to the settee. "We have much to discuss."

We sat, and I felt my mother's gaze sweep over me, cataloging my appearance, my posture, my state of mind. She missed nothing, and that was because she never did.

"I'll get straight to the point," Victoria began, settling back into her chair. "The Enzograndes are coming to Chicago for the O'Connor charity ball."

I felt my breath catch. The Enzogrande family—European royalty, old money, global power brokers. They'd been on the Richmond family's radar for years, an elusive prize that had always remained just out of reach.

"The Enzograndes?" I repeated. "You're certain?"

"They'll be arriving in three days. They're seeking a partnership with one of the top families in Chicago—an alliance that would be worth billions." Victoria's eyes glittered. "This is our chance, Jason. Our chance to finally put the Richmond name on the same pedestal as the O'Connors."

I leaned forward, my mind racing. "What kind of partnership?"

"Everything. Business, social, political. The Enzograndes have connections that stretch across the globe. If we secure their partnership, we could eclipse the O'Connors within a decade."

"But why approach us?" Brenda asked, her voice tentative. "Why not the O'Connors directly?"

Victoria's smile was thin. "Because the Enzograndes are traditionalists. They value family, legacy, stability. And Patrick O'Connor's recent... changes have made them uncertain." She looked at me meaningfully. "They want a family that embodies the old values. A family that won't embarrass them with scandal."

I nodded slowly, understanding. The O'Connors were vulnerable right now—the mysterious heir, the commoner bride, the whispers of a contract marriage. The Enzograndes saw instability where the Richmonds saw opportunity.

"What do you need from me?" I asked.

"What I've always needed from you, Jason. Focus. A willingness to do whatever it takes to secure this family's future." Victoria's eyes flickered to Brenda. "And I need you to present a united front. A perfect couple. The kind of couple that makes the Enzograndes believe in the strength of the Richmond name."

I felt Brenda's hand find mine, her fingers squeezing gently.

"I can do that," I said. "We can do that."

"Good." Victoria rose, signaling the meeting was over. "Because the Enzograndes will be at the O'Connor ball. And everything depends on the impression you make."

"I understand perfectly, Mother."

"Do you?" She took a sip of her sherry, her eyes never leaving mine. "Because I've watched you throw away opportunities before. I've watched you let distractions derail you. I won't allow that to happen again. Not with the Enzograndes on the line."

"I'm not a child anymore. I know what's at stake."

"Then act like it." She set down her glass and walked toward me. "The Enzograndes are the key to everything we've worked for. Without them, the O'Connors will remain untouchable. With them, we can finally overtake them."

"And what do the Enzograndes want in return?" Brenda asked, her voice careful. "No one offers a partnership like this without expecting something in return."

Victoria's smile sharpened. "Smart girl. That's why I insisted you come."

She turned to face Brenda fully. "The Enzograndes are traditionalists, as I said. They value family above all else. They want to see a strong, united couple at the head of the Richmond family. A marriage that represents stability, legacy, and power."

"Our engagement?" Brenda asked, her hands gripping mine.

"Precisely." Victoria's eyes glittered. "They need to see that the Richmond family has a future and a continuation of the bloodline." She paused, letting the words sink in. "Which is why I expect you both to be married immediately after the ball."