Alexander was walking a tightrope. He was trying to convince his grandfather to stick with the original plan and keep Anton as his heir.

It wasn't that Alexander particularly wanted Anton to take over Binky’s empire. He just couldn't bear what would happen to his sister, Valerie if Anton were pushed out. Anton was her husband, after all, and a divorce would break her. Binky, however, stayed unmoved. “Grandfather, you made that deal yourself,” Alexander said quietly. “After all these years, to go back on it now…”

“You think that hasn’t kept me awake?” Binky replied. His frown deepened into familiar lines.

A knock interrupted them. Drake stepped into the room.

Alexander respected his father, but the two had never been close. Sent to boarding school in London at a young age along with his twin brother Laney, Alexander had picked up the English accent that still marked his speech. Laney, on the other hand, had been expelled early on for one reckless stunt too many and sent to a school in the States. Alexander hadn't returned to American soil until his early twenties; the years apart had shaped more than just his pronunciation. “Father,” Alexander said with a tired breath, “maybe you can talk some sense into him.” “Still about Anton?” Drake asked. He lowered himself into the nearest chair.

Binky turned to them. “Leslie showed me something today.” Alexander gave a short, dry laugh. “What? That a custom suit can still look terrible on the wrong person? Or how to embarrass the family?” Binky didn't laugh or even smile. “She believes in what she's doing. Even when the whole world stands against her. She's unapologetic. Fearless.”

“She’s a teen,” Drake said gently. “It’s easier to be fearless at her age. This isn't some teenage rebellion, Dad. The fallout won't be limited to petty gossip and sideways glances.”

“Leslie told me she'd rather stand out for something she believes in than disappear into something she doesn't,” Binky continued, almost to himself. “She’s wise beyond her years. I admire that.” Drake leaned forward slightly. “You’re the one who taught me that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. There's a time for courage, and there's a time for discretion. This isn't the moment to play the martyr - which is exactly what you'll be if you call off this deal.”