A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 180

"So, what is it? Do you actually think the engagement between the Rogers family and the Thorne family is no big deal? But come on, Jackson, you know as well as I do—alliances like this are always about shifting interests. Today, they're tied together for profit; tomorrow, if there's something bigger on the table, they'll part ways without a second thought."

As she spoke, the image of Elvis and Winona holding hands just moments ago flashed in Jocelyn's mind, making her stomach twist.

She forced herself to keep going. "Sure, Elvis and Winona look like the perfect couple on the surface, but who's to say it's not all for show? The engagement hasn't even been announced yet. If you go to Chairman Thorne, sit down with him, and show him what you—and the Quincy family—can offer, he might just reconsider and choose us instead."

Jackson knew Jocelyn's words sounded outrageous, but in their world, switching up marriage alliances for the sake of profit wasn't unheard of.

Still, that wasn't how he did things.

"You know better than anyone how much we'd gain from joining with the Thorne family. Why do you think Dad pushed so hard for that engagement in the first place?"

Jackson fell silent. Jocelyn hesitated, then softened her voice, a hint of pleading slipping in. "Jackson, I'm your only sister. Even if you won't do it for the family, can't you at least think of me? All these years, have you ever seen me care about any man other than Elvis?"

"Jocelyn," Jackson tried to calm her, "the engagement between the Rogers and Thorne families may be about business, but I don't think Elvis and Winona are just putting on an act. Forcing yourself into someone else's relationship never ends well."

Jocelyn let out a short, incredulous laugh. "When did you become so timid, Jackson? Weren't you the one who went head-to-head with local bosses to secure that mining deal? But when it comes to your own feelings, you suddenly get cold feet?"

"What's all the secret chatter about?"

The door to the private room swung open without warning.

Jocelyn jumped, caught off guard.

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