A Question of Priorities

Chapter 17: A Question of Priorities

Wright family dinners were never simple affairs. Held in Richard Wright's stately dining room, the atmosphere was as polished as the fine china on the table. Tonight was no exception. Adrian, Nathaniel, and Ethan Wright sat around the expansive table, their mother presiding like a queen, her sharp eyes missing nothing. Richard Wright walked in, greeting his sons as he audaciously takes his seat.

The light conversation and clinking of crystal paused when Richard leaned forward. His tone was casual, but the glint in his eyes betrayed a more deliberate intention.

"Ethan," Richard began, swirling the wine in his glass, "you've done well as CEO. It's impressive how you've handled the transition." He paused, his smile tinged with mischief. "But there's one area where you're behind your brothers."

Ethan arched a brow. "And what would that be?"

"Marriage," Richard announced, setting his glass down.

Adrian smirked, his expression oozing smugness. "He's got a point, Ethan. Nathaniel and I have both settled down, yet here you are, still playing the lone wolf. It's hardly the image of stability, is it?"

Ethan's jaw tightened, but his voice remained even. "I don't see how my personal life has anything to do with my role as CEO."

Eleanor interjected, her tone firm yet laced with concern. "It's not just about you, Ethan. The Wright name carries influence. A solid marriage can strengthen alliances. I've been considering someone suitable for you."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Suitable?"

She nodded, exchanging a glance with Richard. "The Marquess family. Their daughter is intelligent, well-mannered, and their investments align with industries we're targeting. A union between our families would be mutually beneficial."

Ethan leaned back, his expression hardening. "You're suggesting I marry someone I've never even met. For the sake of a business deal."

Adrian chuckled. "It's called strategy, little brother. Not everyone gets the luxury of marrying for love."

Nathaniel, usually quiet during such debates, added in a measured tone, "It's not as unreasonable as it sounds. The Marquess family holds significant sway. It could be a powerful alliance."

Ethan's patience thinned. "I'm not interested. If I marry, it will be on my own terms."

Eleanor sighed, disappointment etched on her face. "You're just like your father—stubborn to a fault." Richard looked at his wife but said nothing.

The conversation fizzled, leaving a tension that lingered throughout dessert. As Ethan sipped his coffee, his thoughts drifted to Danielle. The warmth of her smile, her unwavering determination—she was nothing like the cold, calculated match his family envisioned.

Danielle was barely through her front door when Liam confronted her, his tone sharp and accusatory.

"We need to talk."

She sighed, dropping her bag onto the couch. "What's wrong now, Liam?"

"What's wrong?" he repeated, his voice rising. "You tell me. You've been so distant lately. Always at work, spending more time with that boss of yours than with me. What am I supposed to think?"

Danielle felt her patience fray. "Liam, I've told you before—work has been demanding. You know how important this job is to me."

"Don't give me that," he snapped. "You're always defending him, always talking about him. Do you think I'm stupid? I see the way you light up when you mention his name. Are you cheating on me?"

Her heart sank. "How could you even ask me that? I've done nothing to deserve this, Liam."

"Then why do I feel like I'm losing you?" His voice cracked, his anger giving way to vulnerability.

Danielle took a deep breath, fighting back tears. "I'm trying to build something for myself. I've been working hard to make a name in my career, and instead of supporting me, you're questioning me."

Liam's face hardened. "I trusted you when no one else did, Danielle. I helped you when you had nothing. Is this how you repay me?"

The guilt hit her like a wave, but so did her frustration. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, Liam. But that doesn't give you the right to doubt me or control me. I deserve respect."

Liam stood in silence for a moment, his jaw clenching. "Maybe you do. But you need to figure out what you want, because I can't keep feeling like I'm not enough."

With that, he grabbed his jacket and left, the door slamming shut behind him.

Danielle sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. She felt torn, trapped between the loyalty she owed to the man who had been her anchor and the growing realization that their relationship was no longer the safe haven it once was.

In his penthouse, Ethan poured himself a drink and stared out at the sprawling city below. The family dinner had left a sour taste in his mouth. The idea of a calculated marriage felt like a betrayal—not just of himself, but of what his parents had stood for.

And then there was Danielle.

She had become more than just an employee. She was a force of nature—a woman who challenged him, grounded him, and made him question everything he thought he knew about himself. But the risks of pursuing her were monumental. Not only could it jeopardize their professional relationship, but there was also Liam to consider.

Ethan took a sip of his drink, his jaw tightening. He hated feeling this uncertain. But deep down, he knew one thing for certain: Danielle was worth the risk.

As the city lights twinkled like stars in the distance, one thought echoed in his mind: If he didn't act soon, he might lose her forever.