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"Le Ridant is a psycho, no better than Fournier." Duncan held me closer. "You were going to havemyElsa marry one of those murderous assholes?"
"She's the daughter of a murderous asshole," Papa reminded him with a grin.
I looked between them, my heart sinking.
Papa was stubborn and used to getting his way. I knew that, which was why I'd gotten rid of my virginity like I had. The pregnancy had been a bonus—not one I regretted at all. I washappy to have this baby, even if Duncan would not have wanted to have anything to do with me. The fact that he did was all my dreams come true because I was in love with him. Madly. Stupidly.
But our marriage was still figuring itself out, and the last thing we needed was the spectacle of a wedding reception. My life with Duncan was complicated enough without dragging it further into Papa's world.
"We're married," I said, trying to keep my tone as controlled as possible. "Why do we need to make a big announcement?"
Papa's eyes, cold and calculating, turned to me. "Ma chérie, it's not just about the announcement. It's about showing the world that the Moreau and Archer families are united. It's about business, legitimacy, and keeping our interests secure."
"You're not using my husband." I glanced at Duncan, noticing the tension in his jaw and the unease in his eyes.
"He's not usingyoueither," Duncan stated, a hardness in his voice that I'd never heard before. It chilled me to the bone.
"Using? We're family,non? No one is using anyone." Papa waved a hand dismissively.
Thierry came in then, and snarled when he saw my father. I knew they had a big falling out when Thierry refused tospy onme, which was when he told Papa to take his money and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.
"Thierry,très bien!" Papa’s disdain for Thierry clear in his tone.
Thierry, who knew my father and wasn’t afraid of him, growled, "Va te faire foutre, Jean-Luc." Go fuck yourself, Jean Luc.
"Now, Thierry, there's no need to get your panties in a bunch," Papa mocked. "I was telling Elsa and Duncan that there would be a party to announce their marriage. You're, of course, welcome, Thierry."
My friend gaped at me and then turned to Duncan. "He can't go public with who she is to him."
Papa's smile was thin, barely concealing the menace beneath. "Ah, but you see, we do need it, especially with people like Pascal Fournier watching. He needs to understand that Elsa is married to someone powerful like Duncan. He's still very much in love with my Elsa, you see. But Pascal is a man who respects strength and alliances. He needs to see that the Archers are firmly aligned with the Moreaus."
The threat wasn't even subtle. Basically, he was saying that Pascal wanted his hands on me regardless of the fact I was pregnant. More like his ego was hurt that I'd married Duncan, and he wanted some kind of retribution. Or, perhaps he thought he could make me his wife or mistress and become Papa's designated heir.
A shiver crept down my spine. I knew Pascal's reputation, knew the kind of man he was—a psychopath with a penchant for violence. The idea of being anywhere near him, let alone in his crosshairs, was terrifying.
Duncan's eyes met mine, and I saw the conflict there. He didn't want this any more than I did, but he was weighing the danger, considering the implications. His protective instinct was clear, and I could see the decision forming even before he spoke.
"Fine," Duncan gritted the words out like it cost him.
"No," Thierry barked. "Fuck no."
"Everyone needs to know she's an Archer," Duncan said calmly, though I could sense the tension beneath his words. He turned to my father. "We'll make it happen, but it has to be done carefully. No excess, no unnecessary risks."
Papa's smile widened, victory gleaming in his eyes. "D'accord! I'll take care of the arrangements. We'll have it at Le Meurice. It will be very exclusive. It will be the event of theseason. Make sure your parents hear it from you before they get my invitation."
This was going to be a clusterfuck as the Americans liked to say. I slumped against Duncan and his hold on me became tender, like he understood that this was all too stressful for me. "My parents already know. And, yes, they'll be there, as will my brothers."
"Damian and I have always had a good connection." Papa smiled widely, triumph blazing in his eyes.
I sighed, the severity of the situation bearing down on me. Le Meurice was one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, a place where the elite gathered. It was exactly the kind of ostentatious display I wanted to avoid.
Duncan squeezed my hand, sensing my distress. "It's going to be fine," he murmured, his voice comforting.
I nodded, trying to muster some semblance of resolve. But inside, I felt like a puppet in a play I had no desire to be part of. This was my life now, entangled in a web of power and danger, and all I could do was hope that Duncan and I could find a way to navigate it without losing ourselves—or each other.
After Papa left Délices d'Elsa, Thierry turned on Duncan.
"Do you have any idea how hard I've worked to make sure for years that no one knows she's Jean-Luc's daughter?"
