Chapter 10 Shortly after Harper left, I grabbed my purse to get some fresh air. The moment I opened the door, several bodyguards in black suits were standing there waiting. "Miss, Mr. Sterling requests your presence." Looking at this setup, I knew I didn't have a choice in the matter. The coffee shop had been cleared out completely. Marcus sat alone by the window, sunlight softening his sharp features just slightly. He pushed a latte across the table toward me, his tone casually familiar. "Your favorite. Three sugars." I didn't touch it, just watched him quietly. "You didn't ask me here for a family reunion." After all, he despised me. Otherwise, why would he have stabbed me in the back? My mind drifted back to that day years ago. When he'd ruthlessly cut me out of everything. I'd demanded to know why, practically screaming at him. Even though we weren't blood relatives, I'd treated him like my little brother for years. When Dad first brought him home and the other family members bullied and mocked him, I was the one who stood between him and them, every single time. I couldn't understand it. He'd stood in what used to be Dad's office, silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows. There's no deep reason. Winners and losers, that's all." "Sage, just focus on being Mrs. Ashworth. Don't worry-every penny of the dowry Dad promised you will be honored. But the Sterling Industries shares... those stay here." His expression had been so indifferent. I couldn't read him at all. I just felt completely frozen inside. The Sterling family raised a real ungrateful bastard!" I'd thrown those words at him and never looked back. Later, when I married Camden, I used every connection I had-even threw in my own dowry-to help him succeed. I wanted to build the Ashworth empire up, to prove to Marcus that Sage Sterling could thrive anywhere. Marcus smiled softly. "Sister's still as sharp as ever." My expression went cold. I grabbed my purse and started to leave. His next words stopped me in my tracks. "Camden doesn't seem to treat you very well." He took a sip of his coffee. "Sister, your taste in men leaves something to be desired." If Dad knew about this, he'd probably be heartbroken. Especially since if you'd just listened to him back then..." spun around and grabbed the latte, throwing it right in his face. "Don't you dare mention my father!" Marcus looked stunned. Coffee dripped down his face and onto his expensive suit. He looked completely disheveled. His bodyguards started forward to restrain me, but he waved them off. He let out a low laugh and stood up. Let's discuss a business proposition, sister." stared at him coldly. He smiled back, his beautiful eyes meeting mine directly. That's exactly when Camden arrived, having gotten word of our meeting. He walked in just in time to see me glaring at Marcus with my hand raised to strike. is face changed instantly as he rushed over and yanked me away. Sage, stop acting crazy!" He positioned himself protectively in front of Marcus, glaring at me furiously. didn't even bother rolling my eyes at him. I just turned and walked out. ehind me, I could hear Camden's voice-apologizing profusely to Marcus in the most servile tone, then cursing me out. kept my eyes down. rom what I knew, Ashworth Holdings had been having problems with several key projects lately. hey desperately needed an injection of capital to stay afloat. nd Sterling Industries was returning to the domestic market, planning to break into medical equipment manufacturing. I was the perfect opportunity for Ashworth Holdings. glanced back. amden, who was always so arrogant with me, was practically bowing and scraping, more obsequious than I'd ever seen him. cross from him sat that young, aristocratic man, chin slightly raised, maintaining his usual cool distance. s if sensing my gaze, Marcus suddenly looked over at me. e blinked once and smiled. looked away. The car window rolled up. Cutting off the view completely.