Alistair Hale's apology, which arrived on Wednesday, was supremely unsatisfying. Lacy had been right—he wouldn't stand up for her because he favored his prospective daughter-in-law.

He met Lacy and her father, Brann, for lunch at a trendy Financial District restaurant, showing no discomfort. "Who does he think he is?" Brann fumed. "He's so nonchalant about breaking a promise!"

"I didn't want things to turn out this way, but what can I do? I have no control over Aaron," Alistair said calmly, cutting his steak.

Brann scowled. "He's your son! He should listen to you and respect your decisions. Tell him to break off the engagement and make things right."

Lacy nodded emphatically. Only she could be Aaron's wife. A Bostonian could never fit into New York high society.

"It's not that simple," Alistair sighed. "Everyone knows about the engagement. Imagine the rumors if it were suddenly broken off. It would reflect badly on Lacy."

"So you won't fix this?!" Brann thundered, slapping the table.

Alistair set down his knife. "You're overthinking it. Bethany is out of the country, visiting friends from her study abroad program a couple of years ago. Even if she were here, we'd need time to let things cool down. Lacy, there are other eligible men. You aren't getting any younger. Waiting for Aaron might mean missing your chance."

Insulted, Lacy felt a surge of anger. How dare he imply she'd become an old maid? She was the most beautiful woman in their circle, deserving of the best husband—Aaron. No one else would do. She refused to settle.

"I've been proposed to at least six times," she said coldly. "I'm in demand, but none of those men are worthy. I will wait for your son as long as it takes."

Alistair regarded her condescendingly. "My son has made his mind up. He doesn't want you. Stop waiting for the impossible and find a nice husband."

"Alistair, must you be so blunt?" Brann asked unhappily. He knew Aaron didn't like his daughter, but a promise was a promise— crucial to a planned merger. They'd secretly collaborated for years, and marriage would shield him from legal repercussions if their dealings were ever discovered.

"I'm telling the truth," Alistair said angrily, stabbing his steak. "Aaron's been unpredictable for years. He's refused servants, won't say where he lives, and barely interacts with our circle. I think he's up to something, but I can't prove it. He's disrespectful, and the board is eating out of his hand. I don't know what he does outside the office."

Lacy's temper flared. Aaron's change began their senior year of high school, after he met Keeley. Lacy was supposed to be his prom date, his college girlfriend, his wife, their generation's power couple. It felt like a switch had flipped, pulling him away from her and their world. They were meant to be together!

"If you won't honor your promise, I'll find a way to do it myself," Lacy said stiffly, leaving the restaurant. She would visit Graydon Meyer, who claimed he could help her get Aaron.

Her father wasn't finished negotiating, so she had her driver take her to Appzoid's offices in the Flatiron District. She was confident Meyer wouldn't make her wait.

"Tell your CEO Lacy Knighton is here," she told the receptionist.

"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist asked dismissively.

"No. Tell him my name; he'll see me."

The receptionist rolled her eyes. Many women claimed to be Meyer's girlfriend. "Mr. Meyer, a Lacy Knighton is here."

To Lacy's surprise, Meyer laughed. "I wondered when she'd arrive. Send her in."

The receptionist, now regarding Lacy with new respect, said, "Take the elevator three floors. Mr. Meyer's office is the second door on the right."

Lacy smiled triumphantly. Take that, secretary!

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is irrelevant to the text and appears to be an advertisement.)