By the time Brian left the Samson residence, Annie had reached two conclusions. First, the dessert at the Samson household was excellent. Second, Brian Starks was an irritating man who believed his silence made him mysterious. She stood near the entrance, watching his car disappear through the gates. Nicholas leaned against the doorway beside her. “You know,” he said, “most women would be impressed after spending an evening with Brian.” Annie turned toward him. “Most women need better standards.” Nicholas laughed. “You really don’t like him?” “I barely know him.” “You spent the entire evening arguing with him.” “That’s how I get to know people.” “Should I be worried?” “About what?” “That you’ll start arguing with me next.” Annie looked him over. “You’re safe. You’re not interesting enough.” Nicholas placed a hand over his chest. “That hurt.” “Good. It means you’re alive.” He shook his head as she walked inside. From the living room, Emily watched Annie approach. “Did you enjoy dinner?” Annie dropped onto the sofa. “The food was good.” “And Brian?” “Less good.” Emily smiled. “He seemed interested in you.” Annie immediately sat up. “Interested in what? My cake?” “Annie.” “What? He stole my chocolate shavings. That’s a serious offense.” Emily laughed softly. Before she could say anything else, William entered the room. His expression was serious enough to make Annie suspect that someone had died—or that he was about to discuss something unpleasant. She sighed. “Why does everyone in this family look like they’re about to announce a national emergency?” William sat opposite her. “We need to discuss Brian.” Annie pointed toward the door. “He has already left. You missed him.” “This is serious.” “So am I when I’m hungry.” Eleanor came in behind him and sat beside Annie. “Your father received a call from the Starks family.” Annie’s eyes narrowed. “What did I do?” “Nothing,” Eleanor assured her. “That’s usually when people become suspicious.” William folded his hands. “Brian’s mother would like to invite you to their home.” Annie stared at him. “Why?” “To get to know you.” “She met me once?” “She hasn’t met you yet.” “Then why does she want me at her house?” Eleanor smiled gently. “Because you’re Brian’s dinner companion.” Annie’s expression turned blank. “His what?” William cleared his throat. “His dinner companion.” Annie looked from him to Eleanor. Then she stood. “No.” William frowned. “You haven’t heard the details.” “I heard enough.” “Annie, it’s only a family invitation.” “Then why does everyone look as if I’ve been selected for a national competition?” Emily tried to hide her smile. William continued, “The Starks family is hosting a small gathering this weekend. They would like you to attend with Brian.” Annie folded her arms. “Let me guess. I should dress nicely, smile politely, and pretend I’m not judging anyone.” “That would be appreciated.” “Then I definitely won’t do it.” Eleanor reached for her hand. “Sweetheart, they simply want to welcome you.” Annie looked at her mother’s hopeful expression. Her resistance weakened slightly. She hated how easily Eleanor could make her feel guilty without saying a word. “Fine,” Annie said. “But I’m not promising to behave.” William closed his eyes briefly. “That is exactly what I’m afraid of.” The following morning, Brian was in the middle of a meeting when his mother called. He glanced at his phone. The executives around the table immediately fell silent. Brian answered. “Mother.” “Are you busy?” “Yes.” “Good. Then you can listen while I speak.” Brian leaned back in his chair. Across the table, Jason—who had joined the meeting as a representative of the Vale family—lowered his gaze to hide a grin. Brian said, “What do you want?” “I want you to bring Annie to the house this weekend.” Brian’s expression remained neutral. “She has other arrangements.” “Have you asked her?” “No.” “Then you don’t know that.” Brian glanced at the documents before him. “Mother, I have work.” “You always have work. That is why your house feels like a hotel and your dining table looks decorative.” Jason pressed his lips together. Brian noticed. “Jason.” Jason immediately straightened. “Yes?” “Leave.” His mother’s voice came through the phone. “Is Jason there?” “Yes.” “Put him on.” Brian’s eyes narrowed. Jason’s face lit up. “Good morning, Mrs. Starks.” “Jason, please make sure Brian brings Annie this weekend.” “Of course.” Brian ended the call. Jason grinned. “You’re welcome.” “I didn’t ask you to agree.” “You weren’t going to refuse your mother.” Brian returned to the documents. Jason studied him for a moment. “You know, this might be good for you.” Brian didn’t look up. “What might?” “Having someone around who doesn’t treat you like a walking bank account.” Brian’s pen stopped moving. Jason noticed the brief pause but did not comment. Instead, he leaned forward. “What do you think of Annie?” “She’s troublesome.” “That wasn’t my question.” Brian lifted his gaze. Jason smiled. “Exactly.” At the Samson residence, Annie was discovering that being reunited with a wealthy family came with far too many obligations. She had been asked to attend a charity luncheon, a family tea, and a private gathering at the Starks residence—all within the same week. She stood in the middle of the sitting room while Eleanor held up two dresses. “Which one do you prefer?” Annie pointed to the simpler dress. “That one.” Eleanor smiled. “I thought you might choose the blue one.” “It looks like something a decorative vase would wear.” Emily, seated nearby, laughed. Eleanor lowered the blue dress. “Then we’ll choose the other.” Annie looked at the clothes scattered across the sofa. “Why do I need so many outfits? I have a wardrobe already.” “Your mother wants to make sure you have everything you need,” Emily explained. Annie glanced at Eleanor. “Mother.” The word slipped out before she could stop it. Eleanor froze. Annie did too. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Eleanor’s eyes softened. “Yes?” Annie looked away, suddenly interested in the sleeve of the dress. “Can we stop buying clothes after this?” Eleanor smiled. “We can try.” Emily watched them quietly, her heart warming at the small change. It was not a dramatic reunion. There were no grand declarations or sudden miracles. But Annie had called Eleanor Mother. And Eleanor would remember it for the rest of her life. That afternoon, Annie received a message from an unknown number. Brian Starks: My mother expects you at the house on Saturday. Annie stared at the screen. She typed a response. Annie: Your mother expects me, or you expect me? The reply came quickly. Brian: My mother. Annie: Good. I was worried you had started missing me. There was a long pause. Annie smiled, certain she had won. Then her phone vibrated. Brian: You seem disappointed. Her smile disappeared. She typed furiously. Annie: Don’t flatter yourself. Brian: I wasn’t. Annie stared at the message. “This man…” She tossed her phone onto the bed, then picked it up again almost immediately. Annie: What should I wear? Brian replied after a moment. Brian: Something comfortable. Annie blinked. That was unexpectedly reasonable. Annie: You’re not going to tell me to wear something expensive? Brian: You don’t need expensive clothes to attend dinner. She read the message twice. For someone who looked as though he had been born wearing a suit, he occasionally said sensible things. Annie: You’re less annoying over text. Brian: You’re more annoying in person. Annie’s eyes widened. She typed a response, deleted it, then typed another. Annie: Saturday. Don’t be late. Brian: I won’t. She placed the phone down. Then she smiled. “Let’s see if the Devil knows how to behave in his own house.” Saturday arrived sooner than Annie expected. At six in the evening, she stood before her mirror in a simple black dress, her purple hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Eleanor entered the room and stopped. “You look lovely.” Annie turned around. “Is that a mother’s opinion or an honest one?” “Both.” Annie smiled. A car horn sounded outside. She glanced toward the window. A black sedan had stopped at the entrance. Brian had arrived. Annie picked up her purse and walked downstairs. Brian stood near the door, speaking with William. When he looked up and saw her, his sentence ended. His gaze moved over her briefly. Annie noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “You stared.” “I looked.” “Same thing.” Brian stepped aside, allowing her to pass. “Are you ready?” Annie walked toward the car. “Not really. But I’m willing to suffer for the sake of free food.” Brian followed her. “You’re very consistent.” “I consider that a strength.” He opened the car door. Annie paused before getting inside. “Brian?” “Yes?” “If your mother likes me, don’t start acting proud.” He looked down at her. “Why would I?” “Because men like you think everything is a competition.” Brian leaned slightly closer. “And if she doesn’t like you?” Annie smiled. “Then I’ll comfort myself with dessert.” She got into the car. Brian stood there for a moment before closing the door. As the vehicle pulled away from the Samson residence, neither of them noticed the dark car parked across the street. Inside, a woman watched Brian’s vehicle disappear. Her fingers tightened around her phone. She had heard that Brian was bringing someone to his family’s home. She had expected a temporary acquaintance. A socialite. Someone easy to dismiss. But Annie Samson was not what she had imagined. The woman opened a message thread and typed: Find out everything about Annie Samson. Then she sent it. And for the first time, Annie’s return to the city began attracting attention from someone who had no intention of welcoming her.

An Unwanted Arrangement