Tessa, in that midnight dress that looked painted onto starlight, already halfway across the ballroom by the time people realized they'd moved. She crashed into him with a small, delighted squeal, gripping his arm like he was gravity and everything else was fake.
"You came for me honey," she said against his chest.
Parker looked down at her, then to the stunned guests. "Hope y'all weren't attached to Ashford property values," he said casually, like snapping entire families out of their own estates was a Tuesday errand.
Luciano Wilder cleared his throat. The old man looked ten years younger now that the weight of betrayal had shifted off his shoulders. He raised a hand, and the room stilled with a hush sharp enough to slice diamonds and took a sip.
He looked directly at Parker, then at Tessa beside him—beaming, electric, a woman who'd spent her whole life being bartered now finally chosen.
"Give your blessings to the couple, y'all. My granddaughter, Tessa Wilder… and Parker."
