Henry Caldwell Jr. was in his room at his father’s house, packing his belongings for his return to Princeton. The room was filled with the familiar chaos of half-packed bags and scattered clothes. As he folded a shirt, his father, Mr. Caldwell, entered the room.
"So, what do you think of the Miller girl?" Mr. Caldwell asked casually, leaning against the doorframe.
Henry chuckled, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Does it matter what I think?"
Mr. Caldwell sighed, stepping further into the room. "I'm trying to help you, Henry."
Henry's expression darkened with anger. "You don’t help anyone but yourself," he snapped, shoving a pair of shoes into his bag with unnecessary force.
Mr. Caldwell raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down, Henry."
Henry's frustration boiled over. "I’m not going to marry Clara Miller or anyone else," he declared, his voice shaking with emotion. "I’m tired of you introducing me to these stupid rich girls, thinking it’s going to change my mind about Elena."
Mr. Caldwell's face flushed with anger. He swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure. "Henry, you can never marry Elena."
Henry sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I know, which is why I’m not marrying anyone else."
Mr. Caldwell's voice hardened. "You know that’s not possible. You’re my only son."
Henry met his father's gaze with a steady resolve. "I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you, but I’m not marrying anyone."
Mr. Caldwell fixed Henry with a stern look. "Do you know why I chose the Miller girl?"
Henry rolled his eyes, exasperated. "No, why?"
Mr. Caldwell's expression turned calculating. "Because her family is broke. Her father lost most of their business, and those who could save themselves from their sinking ship had to cut ties with them."
Henry's eyes widened in surprise. "So, you’re trying to set me up with a broke girl?"
Mr. Caldwell nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of triumph. "Think about it, Henry. They have no money, no power. They’re easier to control."
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Marry Clara Miller and do whatever you want afterward. Neither she nor her father will be able to do anything about it."
Henry looked at his father, his thoughts swirling with confusion and contemplation.
Mr. Caldwell continued, "Besides, you wouldn’t have to worry about heirs."
Henry laughed incredulously. "Isn’t the whole purpose of this arrangement to give you grandchildren?"
Mr. Caldwell smirked, shaking his head. "You only need to sign the papers, Henry. I'll take care of the rest."
***
Adrian stood by the window of his study, gazing out at the sprawling estate that he managed with such precision. His thoughts, however, were far from the meticulously kept grounds. They were consumed by Clara.
Her presence was intoxicating, her wit sharp and her spirit untamed. He found himself drawn to her, despite knowing the myriad reasons he shouldn’t be. She was young, almost a decade younger than him. She was family, in a convoluted way. And most of all, she was betrothed to another, even if it was an arrangement neither wanted.
The conflicts within him were relentless. On one hand, he wanted to protect her, shield her from the pressures and expectations being thrust upon her by her father and the Caldwells. On the other, he couldn’t deny the selfish desire to have her for himself, to be the one who made her smile and feel safe.
Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was caught in a web of his own making, torn between his duty and his desire. He knew he should end it, put a stop to whatever was happening between them before it spiraled out of control. But the thought of losing Clara, of never feeling her warmth against him again, was unbearable.
Adrian stopped abruptly, reaching into his pocket to retrieve his cellphone. With a deep breath, he dialed a number, a number he hasn’t called in a long time.
The phone rang once, twice, before a voice answered on the other end.
"Adrian," the voice acknowledged.
"I have a job for you," Adrian said, his tone brooking no argument.
There was a pause on the line, a moment of consideration. "What do you need?"
Adrian took another deep breath, steadying himself. "I need you to investigate the Caldwell family, specifically Henry Caldwell Jr."
The person on the other end made a noise that was somewhere between a hum and a grunt, a sign of interest piqued. "What are you looking for?"
"Anything," Adrian replied, his voice tight with determination. "Weaknesses, secrets, anything that can be used against them."
The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of unspoken understanding. The implications of his request were clear, the potential fallout immense.
"Consider it done," the voice finally said.
Adrian nodded, though the gesture was unseen. "And be discreet."
"Of course," the voice responded, a hint of amusement in their tone. "You know how I operate."