Let The Games Begin.

Sierra turned to Ruben, her voice steady but firm. "Because he has been dating our Emily for a while now, and they love each other."

Ruben's expression didn't change immediately, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. He flicked his gaze at the rearview mirror, locking eyes with his daughter.

"Is that true, sweetheart?" He asked, his voice softer than before.

Emily's heart pounded in her chest, but she didn't hesitate. "Yes, Daddy." She said earnestly. "I love him very much, and he loves me too."

Ruben inhaled deeply, the air around him thick with contemplation. He exhaled slowly before speaking.

"If Khalia marries Logan." He mused aloud. "Then once she inherits everything, Logan can divorce her, take everything with him, and then marry you." His lips curled into a calculating smirk as he continued. "That way, we will have the Noelle brand, all the assets, and the properties under our control."

Sierra's brows furrowed as she exchanged a concerned glance with Emily, who looked utterly bewildered by her father's words.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, shifting her gaze back to Ruben.

"I'll explain everything once we get home." He replied smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Then, turning his attention back to Emily, he said. Call Logan. Tell him to meet us at the house.

Emily immediately pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she composed a message.

Hey baby, I was wondering if you could come over tonight. My dad wants to meet you and discuss our future together.

After hitting send, she stared at the screen, waiting anxiously for a response.

Meanwhile, across town, Logan Roberts had just stepped out of the shower, a towel slung low around his hips. The sound of his phone vibrating against the nightstand caught his attention, and he reached for it, drying his damp fingers before unlocking the screen.

His lips curved into a soft smile when he saw Emily's name.

But as he read the message, his smile faltered.

'My dad wants to meet you and discuss our future together.'

Logan's brows knitted in confusion.

"What does she mean by that?" He muttered under his breath. "Did she tell her father about us?"

A sigh escaped him as he leaned against the edge of the bed, running a hand through his damp hair.

His father's earlier words echoed in his mind, the reminder of his arranged marriage to Khalia Austin.

But Logan clenched his jaw, his blue-gray eyes darkening with determination.

'It doesn't matter.' He told himself. 'Nothing will keep me from my Emily.'

His fingers flew over the screen.

'Sure, no problem.'

With that, he tossed the phone onto the bed and made his way to his closet, swiftly dressing in a dark button-up and tailored slacks. His reflection stared back at him from the mirror sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and a cold, composed expression that masked the fire burning beneath.

Just as he stepped out of his bedroom, he nearly collided with his father in the hallway.

"Where are you off to this late?" Mr. Roberts asked, his tone curious but firm.

Logan met his gaze without hesitation.

"I'm going to meet Mr. Austin." He replied smoothly. "He wants to discuss the relationship with his daughter."

His words were careful, precise not a lie, just not the whole truth.

Mr. Roberts smiled approvingly, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Good." He said, patting Logan's shoulder. "Go on, then. Make me proud."

Logan nodded once before stepping past him and heading outside.

Sliding into his sleek black car, he started the engine and drove off into the night. The city lights blurred past him as he focused on one thing Emily. Within minutes, he arrived at the Austin estate. Pulling up to the grand entrance, he parked and stepped out, adjusting his cuffs as he glanced around. The air was cool, the night quiet. Emily had told him they were on their way.

So now, he waited. And whatever this meeting was about he was ready.

The sleek black car glided up the long, winding driveway of the Austin estate, its headlights slicing through the night and casting a glow on the grand entrance. The light reflected off the polished hood, illuminating Logan Roberts' striking features sharp jawline, piercing blue-gray eyes, and an effortless air of confidence that made him impossible to ignore.

Emily's heart skipped a beat the moment she saw him. A radiant smile spread across her face, and before the car had even come to a full stop, she was already opening the door. The moment her feet touched the ground, she dashed forward, throwing her arms around Logan in a tight embrace.

Logan caught her easily, his strong arms wrapping around her as he buried his face in her hair, inhaling her familiar scent.

"I missed you." She whispered against his chest.

A soft chuckle escaped him as he held her close. "I missed you too, princess."

Behind them, Sierra and Ruben stepped out of the car, their shoes clicking against the stone pavement as they approached.

Sierra was the first to speak, offering Logan a warm smile. "It's nice to see you again, Logan."

Logan turned his attention to her, flashing a charming grin. "It's good to see you too, Mrs. Austin. Still as beautiful as ever, I see."

Sierra's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink at the compliment. She waved a hand dismissively but couldn't hide the pleased smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, Logan, you always know just what to say."

Logan's gaze then shifted to Ruben, the head of the Austin family. He straightened slightly, his posture exuding both respect and confidence as he extended a hand. "Mr. Austin, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Ruben's sharp eyes studied Logan for a long moment before finally clasping his hand in a firm shake. He knew exactly who Logan Roberts was everyone did.

Logan wasn't just another wealthy young man. He was one of the city's most eligible bachelors, and it wasn't just because of his good looks and charisma. He was the heir to the Roberts family fortune, one of the richest families in Havendale. If not for the immense wealth of the Austin family, the Roberts would have been the undisputed top billionaire family in the city.

Ruben didn't particularly care which of his daughters married Logan. What mattered was Noelle's inheritance the vast empire of wealth and assets left behind by Warren's late wife. And the only one with direct access to that fortune was Khalia.

That was why she had to marry Logan. That was why she had no choice.

Still, Ruben kept his expression friendly, his lips curling into a smile as he finally spoke. "It's good to finally meet the man who captured my Emily's heart."

His grip on Logan's hand tightened slightly before he released it. Logan returned the smile, but there was something unreadable in his eyes something calculating.

As the four of them stood in the dim glow of the estate's lights, an unspoken understanding hung in the air. This wasn't just a meeting.

This was the beginning of a game. And only the smartest player would win.