22. Chapter 22

Chapter twenty-two

"A rogue may be forged by spite, but only love can temper his steel." The Rogue’s Guide to Refinement

B oyd stepped into Croft’s entry hall, his boots echoing on the marble floors that once struck him as the height of refinement. The grand staircase curved above him, a hulking, ornamental beast, but its polish had dulled, the edges of each step slightly worn. Portraits of Croft’s ancestors hung on the walls. Their once-vivid faces had faded over years of sunlight exposure.

The butler approached, his livery frayed at the cuffs, and bowed. “Mr. Sandeman, Mr. Croft awaits you in his study.”

Boyd nodded, the tightness in his chest growing. The last time, he had been greeted by disdain and a razor-sharp dismissal that had cut him down before he’d had a chance to speak. He’d left then, humiliated, the mocking words echoing in his mind for years afterward.

But he was not that youth anymore. At least, he reminded himself, he shouldn’t be.

He wasn’t here to seek Croft’s approval—he was here for Beth, and for whatever future they might build together.

The butler led him through the familiar corridors. Boyd found himself gripping his gloves tighter, nerves he thought he’d left behind clawing their way back.

The door loomed as imposing as ever. The butler opened it with a slight bow, stepping aside to let Boyd enter. He squared his shoulders, steeling himself for the encounter.

Croft sat behind a massive mahogany desk, papers spread before him, his figure gaunt, yet his eyes sharp as they flicked up to meet Boyd. The man who had once stood as an imposing symbol of wealth and prestige now appeared shriveled, his skin drawn tight over his bones, his hair a ghostly white. Even the mustaches that had once curled like the tusks of some noble beast, had withered to greasy wisps clinging to his upper lip.

The object of Boyd’s hatred had become a relic of his former self.

“Boyd Sandeman,” Croft said. There was no warmth, no welcome, just a vague acknowledgment, as if Boyd were a necessary inconvenience.

Boyd inclined his head, determined to keep his composure. “Mr. Croft.”

Croft cleared his throat, a cough raking through his chest and sending a shiver through his shoulders. “When the girl returned this morning with red-rimmed eyes, I assumed the worst. But here you are.” His tone held that familiar edge of contempt, as if he were watching Boyd through a fogged lens, unable or unwilling to see the man he had become.

Boyd took a steadying breath. “I came to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Croft let out a mocking laugh. “Ha. I knew it.” He leaned back, his gaze narrowing as he surveyed Boyd with an air of satisfaction, as though Boyd were a pawn finally moving as expected. “You’re a businessman, just like myself, Mr. Sandeman. You don’t let family grievances get in the way of ambition. I choose my son-in-law well.” He gave a thin, self-satisfied smile. “I know you’d accept my proposal to unite Croft & Associates. with Sandeman’s.”

Boyd’s jaw tightened, his pulse thrumming in his ears. How many times had he rehearsed this moment—when Croft would acknowledge his worth so Boyd could voice his rejection? Still, the words would not come. Boyd didn’t want to humiliate the man in front of him. All he wanted was to end this so he could find Beth.

“I don’t want to marry Beth because of your company. If it were up to me, I’d sooner leave it to rot. You may rest assured that Beth and I will rebuild Croft & Associates. But it won’t be mine. I’ll make it clear in the marriage contract that the company belongs to her—and, one day, to our children.”

Croft’s face contorted, as if he were trying to choke down a live frog. Boyd could almost see the struggle in his mind—the incomprehension at a man turning down a chance to expand his power. They were not the same—not in the slightest. Croft would never understand what it meant to want something—or someone—for their own sake, untouched by ambition.

Boyd straightened, letting his gaze settle on Croft with a quiet finality. “If you’ll excuse me. I’ll see my bride now.”