With a heavy, drawn-out sigh, Allistair reluctantly handed over the incriminating documents. As I scanned through them, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach like a lead weight. The devastating reality of our fathers' betrayal was palpable.

"They're planning to use our high-profile engagement as a distraction tactic," Allistair explained, his voice dripping with bitter venom as he raked a hand through his disheveled hair. "Then they'll swoop in behind the scenes to seize control of the board while everyone's focus is split."

I could practically see the gears turning in his brilliant, analytical mind, rapidly dissecting every angle of their elaborate scheme.

"They wouldn't stoop this low," I exclaimed in disbelief, desperately wanting to cling to the idea that my father still had some shred of morality. Deep down, I knew their greed knew no bounds.

Allistair looked at me with sympathy. "Think about it, Tal. By announcing our engagement at the last minute right before the shareholder meeting, they maintain plausible deniability that this was all premeditated. They can claim they only just decided on it spontaneously."

It made sense. If they had been too overt too early, it could have tipped us off and given us more time to uncover their true corrupt motives.

"Not to mention," Allistair continued, "they wanted to keep us distracted with wedding planning and honeymoon activities leading up to the meeting. Leaving us with less time to potentially interfere."

I shuddered at how calculated, manipulative, and utterly devoid of conscience their ploy was. Following the protocols and traditions around announcements of this magnitude at meetings also provided a veneer of legitimacy.

"They underestimated us, thinking our love would cloud our judgment to their manipulation." I said bitterly. "Their greed and arrogance blinded them."

Allistair nodded grimly. "Exactly. By waiting until now, they no doubt thought we'd be too occupied to realize they were positioning themselves to merge the companies behind the scenes."

The implications washed over me like ice water. "Combining SteelCorp's production capabilities with Lockwood's distribution network...they'd have a monopoly. The power to manipulate entire economies, governments even."

"A power they know you and I would never wield to such extremes," Allistair said, his voice heavy. "That's why marrying us off wasn't enough for their plans."

I felt physically ill realizing the depths of my own father's deception. If we didn't stop them at this meeting, there would be no reining in their ambitions.

"Please tell me you have a way to stop them," I pleaded, feeling our game clock running critically short on time.

A spark of determination flashed in Allistair's eyes. "I may have one desperate gambit left to play, but it's a long shot."

I felt a glimmer of hope, but the pragmatic side of me couldn't help but consider our other potential choices, no matter how unpalatable. "What about...what if we just refused to go through with the engagement at the meeting?"

Allistair tensed, clearly having already turned over that idea extensively. "It's not off the table, but an outright public rebellion of that magnitude carries severe risks we may not be prepared for. A defiant spectacle like that could slow their short-term plans by removing the engagement distraction entirely. However..." he trailed off grimly.

"However?" I prompted, my stomach twisting itself into tighter knots.

Letting out a slow breath, Allistair continued, "Given our fathers' vindictive natures and pettiness, they might retaliate cutting us of completely. Leaving us powerless to stop them from the outside."

Standing up I paced back and forth anxiously, feeling boxed in from all angles by this damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't predicament. Rebelling at the meeting could disrupt the scheme, but at what cost? Meekly accepting their fates as pawns betrayed our principles but could buy us critical time.

"Do you truly think this gambit of yours could unravel everything?" I asked, studying his expression intently as I stilled my restless steps, needing to look into his eyes. "I need to know you're not just gambling on blind faith."

Allistair met my gaze levelly. "My sources believe they've found an Achilles heel that could swing the balance of power. But they need more time to be certain."

Allistair looked regretful but firm. "You'll have to trust me on this one."

I chewed my lip, wavering between desperation and indignation. Saying no at the meeting risked sabotaging our last chance if Allistair was right. Yet going along with this farce any longer felt like a making a deal with the devil.

My head spun with the impossible choice we faced. "I trust you blindly, but...promise me this gamble is worth it," I said at last, exhausted by the turmoil. "That we're not just sacrificing ourselves for nothing."

Pulling me into his strong, warm embrace, Allistair whispered fiercely, "I will never stop fighting for us, our future, our freedom. Not as long as there is even the slightest glimmer of hope left to cling to." His conviction was utterly resolute, unshakable.

All I could do was believe in him and the gamble he was taking - the gamble we both had no choice but to take.

As we sat in Antoine's cozy studio, brainstorming one plan after another, time slipped away unnoticed. With each passing moment, the urgency of our situation became painfully apparent. Our intricate schemes required more time than we had available.

Allistair leaned his head against my lap, seeking solace in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Unable to resist, I gently ran my fingers through his hair, tracing the contours of his face.

In that tender moment, a tidal wave of love and gratitude flooded my heart. He wasn't just fighting for me; he was fighting for us, for the future we dreamed of sharing together.

"I wish I could freeze this moment in time," I whispered softly, my words carrying a prayer-like quality. It was a brief respite from the impending battle that loomed over us.

Suddenly, inspiration struck like lightning. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone and hastily composed a text.

'Hi, this is Tahlia Steelman. I've stumbled upon something rather intriguing that you should know about. Can we talk?'

And when exhaustion eventually hit, wrapped in Allistair's loving arms, I was mercifully spared the onslaught of nightmares that lately plagued my sleep.

For once, I woke up feeling rested instead of gripped by the usual panic and dread. Being able to strategize the night before about dealing with our fathers had been therapeutic, helping channel my anxiety into action.

As I reluctantly pulled myself from Alli's comforting embrace, I shot Antoine a sidelong glance, mustering a small smile. "Thanks, Antoine," I muttered, trying to be civil.

"Ah, it's nothing at all, my glacial goddess," he purred silkily. "You know this place and I are always open to welcome your frostiness." He topped it off with an exaggerated wink, the innuendo dripping from his words like condensation on a glass.

I suppressed an eye-roll as he leaned in closer, eyes twinkling roguishly. "Right, thanks. But I'll pass on any...offers," I replied tersely, taking a subtle step back. I wasn't in the mood for his over-the-top theatrics and flirtatious antics this morning. "But congrats, I guess half the city is now open for your eccentric adventures."

"YES!" he shouted, making me jump slightly. Before I could react, he swooped me up into his arms and started bouncing around the room like an overgrown child, shaking me in his restrictive grasp.

"What the hell, Antoine! Put me down inmediately before I ban you from the entire world," I yelled out in exasperation, squirming fruitlessly against his vice-like hold.

Over Antoine's shoulder, I caught Allistair's amused expression. He shrugged apologetically, as he failed to stifle his laughter at the ridiculous spectacle.

As I walked away, Antoine couldn't resist one last jab. "Do try to bring some warmth back next time, darling. You always leave things a bit chilled when you leave."

I turned around just in time to see Allistair smack the back of Antoine's head, making me smirk.

Leaving the penthouse, I felt relieved. Despite his flamboyant persona, I had to admit that even the most exasperating people had their useful moments.

All morning, I kept compulsively checking my phone, hoping for a breakthrough on my latest plan. But disappointment settled in as the screen remained blank, each passing moment thickening the tension.

Finally, just as I was getting ready for another taxing day at the manor, my phone buzzed with an incoming text that made my heart leap into my throat.

'Hey, can you come pick me up?'

It was Tammy.

'Ok?'

'Daddy's trying to "punish me" #BadGirl,🙄' she texted.

I grinned despite myself, immediately understanding her situation.

'You? A bad girl?🤔 What did you do this time, throw all your teddy bears out on the front lawn... again?😂🤣' I teased.

'I'm serious Tally!😠'

After rescuing Tammy up, we arrived at Claridge's our favorite brunch spot. She immediately claimed our usual table and stared out the window moodily.

As we indulged on overpriced avocado toasts, she vented about her parents trying to ship her abroad long term to work on "hotel openings" as a form of discipline.

Tammy's defiant side shone through. "I told Daddy to back off or find a new heir to groom," she declared boldly. Her words resonated with me as I realized the similarities of our situations – two privileged yet suffocated heirs, drowning under the pressure of parental expectations.

In that moment of silent understanding passing between us, Tammy's expression softened as she reached across the small table to squeeze my hand. "You seem...better, than the last time we talked,"

I managed a small smile, squeezing her hand gratefully. "Allistair and I hashed some things out last night. We have a plan for now, at least."

Understanding and relief danced across Tammy's expressive face. She could always read between the lines with me.

"I'm so glad," she said fervently. "That you two have each other's unconditional support right now. You need that."

She held my gaze steadily. "You know you can really talk to me, right? About anything, not just glazing over the tough stuff?"

A lump rose in my throat as I realized what she was getting at. Ever since the assault, I had intentionally kept everyone at arm's length.

I opened my mouth to make an excuse, but she cut me off firmly.

"Don't, Tally. Don't brush me off on this, please," she implored, taking my hand again. "I can see you struggling under everything's weight. Please."

Tears pricked my eyes as the emotional dam I'd been solidly keeping intact began to crack. Maybe I'd just hit my breaking point.

"Okay, we'll talk about it. Just...not here?" I whispered hoarsely.

Understanding shone in Tammy's eyes as she squeezed my hand again and asked for the bill.

Back at the manor, Tammy rushed to hug me tightly as I uneasily recounted my harrowing encounter at the hospital and Professor Hahn - the sprained ankle, bruised neck and the night terrors, all of it.

"There's just something about him" I trailed off not wanting to dwell on his magnetic gaze or the way my body felt when he came to mind.

Tammy furrowed her brow with concern. "Do you think he could be involved in whatever shady stuff is happening at the hospital?"

I shook my head, hugging my arms around myself. "I'm not sure, but I can't shake this gut feeling that he's somehow... hiding some bigger, darker secret."

Tammy immediately reached out and gently pulled me into another embrace. "You shouldn't have to face this alone, Tally," she murmured fiercely. "Have you told Allistair yet what you're going through?"

Shaking my head, I felt a stab of guilt. "No...I haven't. He's been so laser-focused on exposing our fathers' misdeeds. I didn't want to add more to his concerns."

Tammy's expression was a mix of understanding and concern as she pulled back to look me squarely in the eyes. "Tally, I get not wanting to burden him further. But this seems really serious - you were physically attacked."

I gnawed on my lower lip, mulling over her words. As much as I hated keeping any secrets from Allistair, maybe some small part of me was also afraid of his potential overreaction. His burning desire to protect me at all costs could cloud his judgment.

"I know, I know," I sighed heavily. "I'll tell him soon. I just need to figure out the right time and way to bring it up gently."

Tammy nodded slowly. "Okay, I trust you on that. But please don't wait too long."

"Why don't you let me come with you when you meet Professor Creepy? For safety?"

I hesitated, torn between wanting her support and needing to confront Hahn alone, trusting only my instincts. "I appreciate the offer. But I need to handle this myself."

Worry creased Tammy's face as she nodded. "Just promise you'll be extremely careful then."

Squeezing her hand, I tried to sound reassuring. "I will, I promise. Don't worry."

But her concerned expression told me she couldn't help but worry for my safety, no matter my assertion.

BZZZZ. As my phone flashed I silently prayed it was the message I've been waiting on all day.