Bloodbound: The Alliance
Landen Vacheron, heir to a fortune built on oil and ambition, has lived his life as a wealthy playboy, the world bowing to his every whim, thanks to the empire his billionaire father, Colton Vacheron, forged. But as his older brother Vance steps into the role of CEO, Landen begins to see that the true cost of power and privilege is far greater than he ever imagined. Avara Du Pont is a devoted daughter who set aside her own dreams to bolster her father’s political aspirations. Unaware of his dark secrets. When it comes to light, Colton Vacheron offers him a proposition he cannot refuse; a marriage alliance between Avara and Vance, as a way for him to garner more political influence. And Mayor Du Pont will receive a king’s ransom as payment to stave off the shadows spilling into his life. Avara agrees to the fake relationship in order to protect her family from her father's criminal ties.
Chapter 32
TW: Trigger Warning: Proceed With Caution.
I wash off my makeup for the third time because I can't stop crying.
This cursed dinner party that Governor Adler is hosting tonight. I would ditch it, conjure an excuse, but I promised Grayson—pinkie promised. That's practically a sacred vow. I swore I'd come, so I will come. Because that's just what Avara does… she does what she's told with a smile and no questions asked. An utter pushover and people pleaser. But I didn't think I was. I've always just tried to be thoughtful, considerate and kind like she was. My mom, though her memories are romanticized in my head, she is the purest figment in my life.
I don't understand the full scope of what my father did or what he's into. I only know that his stain has tainted my brothers. They're involved somehow, I just don't know how deep because no one tells me anything. That's about to change. If they won't tell me, I'll find out on my own.