Chapter 2 They'd Meet Again

Aydan's gaze landed on Caitlin standing quietly at the edge of the living room. She was dressed in faded jeans and clutching a battered tote, and her hair was parted into two lopsided braids. He scowled but didn't say a word.

Emma's voice rang out, dripping with disdain. "Dad, who let this weirdo in?"

"That's enough out of you," said Aydan, his tone sharp. "She's your sister, whether you like it or not."

Emma jerked upright in disbelief. "You're serious? This is the so-called sister from the middle of nowhere? She's a total disaster."

With a cold smirk, she twirled her freshly painted nails and gestured toward Caitlin. "Figures she's broke, looks a mess, and only wants money. If she's so eager to marry that dying Harris, why not hand her over?"

Aydan's features hardened. Tracking Caitlin down had always been about her mother's inheritance, but maybe sending her to the Harris family would bring even more benefits.

The arrangement would keep the Harris partnership intact and Caitlin under his watch in Aleginia.

Eyes narrowing, Aydan made his decision. "You can marry into the Harris family, but every last thing your mother owned stays with us. Understand?"

Caitlin let out a peal of laughter, as though he'd just told a great joke.

She wandered further into the room, dropped herself onto the couch across from them, and took a long drink from a water glass. "You're missing something here. You came crawling to me, so I'll be the one calling the shots."

"You backwoods trash! You should be grateful we're giving you this chance. Why do you think you get to make demands?" Emma retorted.

Caitlin grinned. "If it's such a big opportunity, why don't you take it yourself?"

Emma's lips curled in anger, and she clung to Aydan's sleeve. "Dad! Are you just going to let her say that?"

Aydan let out a harsh laugh. "The Harris family runs this city. We're already giving you more than you deserve. Who are you to bargain with us?"

Caitlin arched an eyebrow, setting the glass down with a soft clink. "So that's a no? Well, by all means, let Emma walk down the aisle."

Emma spun around, her voice rising again. "Dad, you can't do this to me! I won't marry him!"

"Enough!" Aydan snapped, his glare silencing her on the spot. He stared hard at Caitlin.

Despite her thrift-shop clothes and plain appearance, those eyes were the spitting image of her mother's.

Something about the way Caitlin met his gaze took him back in time, and a shiver ran down his spine. He sprang up from his seat.

Caitlin lounged back, unbothered, holding his stare without a trace of fear.

"Talk," said Aydan, never looking away. "What are your terms?"

"Simple." She raised two fingers. "First, I want every single thing my mother left behind. Second, I want twenty percent of White Group's shares."

Emma jumped to her feet. "You must be insane! Twenty percent? What are you smoking?"

Aydan's eyes stayed locked on Caitlin as he mulled it over. "The best I can do is ten percent. That's my final offer."

Caitlin laughed, tipping her head at him. "You're really going to argue over twenty percent? Fine by me. You've got another daughter ready to play bride. I'll pass."

Aydan's jaw worked in frustration. "Fine. You get twenty percent. I'll have it transferred today."

His eyes narrowed as he added, "But don't even think about your mother's things. Those stay with us."

Caitlin's grin faded, replaced by a harsh glare that locked onto Aydan.

It was obvious she wouldn't be reclaiming her mother's belongings-at least not yet.

Aydan probably meant to hold them over her head to make sure she stayed in line.

If that was the case, then she would make the White family find out the hard way what it meant to try to leash someone who was determined to settle old scores.

A faint smirk crossed Caitlin's lips. "Have it your way. Let's put everything in writing."

Papers signed and share certificate in hand, Caitlin got to her feet and waved the document with a hint of swagger. "Looks like I'm done here."

Aydan cut her off. "Wait. The Harris family doesn't tolerate games. I'll drive you myself."

Inside the car, he passed her a file. "Everything you need to know about the Harris family is in there. Learn it, and don't bring trouble back to our doorstep."

Caitlin flipped through the folder, only pausing when she spotted a photograph of Shawn tucked into the section about him.

So, fate had decided they'd meet again-this time, under very different terms.