Arrogant bride

luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city and furniture that looked more like art than something you'd dare to sit on. But no amount of o

this," Sophia said, tossin

ised a brow as he flipped through

"Half of these people are strangers. Why are there diplomats, CEOs,

nnoyingly calm. "This isn't just a wedding, Sophia. It's a business even

nce is non-

ds up. "Oh, of course. How silly of me to think a w

came a chipper voic

ision in a tailored cream suit and a clipboard clutched to her chest. Her blonde h

!" she exclaimed, her tone bright

roaned i

holding out her hand. "Your wedding planner

aking Penelope's hand reluc

le that didn't falter. "He wanted everyth

are, and he gave her a

e the details to a profess

oice dripping with sarcasm. "Ho

ground to cover! Dress fittings, cake tastings, venue visits... Oh, and I've taken the liberty of booking the Grand Celes

-wait-what if I don't

ion were preposterous. "Why wouldn

mouth to argue,

e is fine," he sa

temper flaring. "Don't I

wedding, didn't you? Here's your chance. Choose the flowers,

the urge to throw something

talk about the guest list. I see we've got a fantastic mix of business leaders and soci

ossing her arms. "No s

ered slightly. "I'll.

. "Penelope, why don't you leave the chart with u

f course! I'll step out and l

losed behind her, Sop

d. "Do you ever stop c

f his nose. "I'm not controlling ev

snapped. "You don't get to bulldoze

le. "And you don't get to sabotage this deal because you're too st

of frustration in his voice. For a moment, sh

"It's about survival. For your family, for mine. So either lear

undeniable truth in his words. Finally, she grabbe

itted teeth. "But don't exp

of it," Ethan repl

fury and something else-something she refused to name. Ethan Cross migh

w. Not