Chapter 5

Dylan's POV

I watched as Josie disappeared up the stairs, her shoulders set with a new determination I hadn't seen before. Gladly, she had grown into a young woman with clear goals and quiet strength. Her request to move closer to Columbia wasn't surprising—it was the natural progression for someone finding their path.

This move also told me everything I needed to know about her feelings for Conner—she was ready to leave that chapter behind.

What concerned me more was the engagement—an arrangement made when she was still a child, now visibly weighing on her.

"She's growing up so fast," Elizabeth sighed, drawing my attention back to the breakfast table. She was absentmindedly stirring her coffee, maternal concern etched on her face.

I settled into Josie's vacated chair. "Speaking of growing up, what are your thoughts on Josie and Connor's engagement these days?"

Richard lowered his newspaper. "What do you mean? They've been promised to each other since they were children. The Gray-Brooks alliance has always been part of the plan."

"Plans can change," I offered, keeping my tone neutral. "They're both adults now, with their own aspirations."

Elizabeth reached across to pat my shoulder. "Dylan, we're not living in the dark ages. Of course we want them to be happy together. But we also know what's best for them in the long run." Her eyes softened. "Josie is such a wonderful young woman. Any man would be fortunate to have her—Connor especially."

"If only David and Katherine could see what an exceptional daughter they raised," Richard added with genuine admiration. "Such a tragedy, that storm..." He shook his head, the memory of the plane crash still painful after all these years.

I nodded solemnly. The loss of the Grays had left a void in all our lives, not just Josie's. They had been more than business partners to my brother; they were family friends, confidants.

"And what about Connor's feelings?" I asked, thinking of his cruel words at Starlight, the casual dismissal of Josie as a "boring lab rat." My jaw tightened involuntarily.

Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "That boy... I worry about his rebellious streak. We can all sense his resistance to the engagement. I just hope he comes to his senses before he does something foolish."

"Connor needs to understand the value of what's right in front of him," Richard stated firmly. "The Gray Industries merger would solidify Brooks Enterprises' position for generations. And more importantly, Josie is exactly the kind of grounding influence he needs."

I considered telling them about what I'd overheard at Starlight—Connor's dismissive comments—but decided against it. It wasn't my place to insert myself between them, and bringing up the incident would only complicate matters for Josie.

"Young people need time to figure things out for themselves," I said instead, rising from the table. "I have some things to handle. Excuse me."

Back in my study, I stared at Connor's contact on my phone for several long moments.

Before I could think it through, I hit dial on impulse. The connection crackled as it patched through to Los Angeles.

"Uncle Dylan," Connor answered, surprise evident in his voice. "This is unexpected. What's up?"

"Just checking in. I'm back from Europe, but it seems you're not around."

"Oh? When did you get back? Bad timing—I just flew to Los Angeles to handle some things. How long are you staying this time?"

"Probably longer than usual. I'm planning to develop some projects here in the States."

"That's great! With you helping out at Brooks Enterprises, Dad might finally get off my back," he said, his tone lightening considerably.

"Connor, perhaps it's time you learned to shoulder some responsibility," I said, my voice carrying a touch of avuncular seriousness.

"Oh, Uncle Dylan, if Dad put you up to lecturing me—"

"No, I'm not here to talk about company responsibilities, but about marriage," I interrupted.

"What? I don't understand," he replied, impatience creeping into his voice.

"I wanted to talk to you about Josie."

"Josie?" His tone became instantly guarded. "What do you mean?"

I decided to be direct. "Do you still want the engagement with Josie?"

The silence that followed stretched uncomfortably long. I could almost see him shifting in his chair, weighing his options.

Finally, he spoke, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "No. I don't."

Though I'd expected it after what I'd witnessed at Starlight, hearing him say it so plainly still sent a wave of disappointment through me. Not for the business implications—those could be handled—but for Josie, who deserved far better than such cavalier dismissal.

"I see," I replied, keeping my voice even. "And have you told her this?"

"Not exactly," he hedged. "It's complicated. We grew up together, our families expect it... Plus, she's so focused on her research, I don't think she's even thinking about marriage right now."

I thought of Josie's face when she'd overheard his comments—the hurt, the resignation, as though his words had merely confirmed something she'd long suspected. "You might be surprised," I said. "Josie is more perceptive than you give her credit for."

"Look, can we talk about this another time? I've got a meeting in five."

"Connor." My tone made it clear this wasn't a request. "You need to be honest with her. Whatever complications it creates, Josie deserves the truth, not a fiancé who's going through the motions."

"I will, okay? Just... let me find the right time."

The irony of his concern now, after what I'd witnessed, wasn't lost on me. "The right time was before you publicly mocked her to your friends," I said, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

His sharp intake of breath told me he understood I knew more than I'd initially let on. "You don't understand the pressure I'm under," he began defensively.

"Actually, I do. But my sympathy lies with Josie at the moment. Handle this with the respect she deserves, Connor. That's all I'm asking."

The line went dead the moment I finished speaking.

I stared at my phone, suddenly aware of how aggressive I'd sounded. What the hell was I doing? What right did I have to insert myself into this mess? Was I seriously considering trying to win Josie away from Connor?

But every time I thought about the way he'd treated her, about their so-called engagement, rational thought went out the window. All I could think about was protecting her from getting hurt again.

It seemed like when it came to Josie, I lost all sense of boundaries. My emotions overrode every logical thought, pulling me toward her like gravity I couldn't fight.

At least Connor had admitted he no longer wanted the engagement. The confirmation of his intentions settled like a weight in my chest. While part of me was relieved that Josie wouldn't be tied to someone who didn't truly value her, another part recognized the complications this would create—for the families, for business, and most importantly, for Josie herself.

Running a hand through my hair, I turned back to the window. Despite every rational objection, I found myself increasingly invested in ensuring she weathered that change with as little pain as possible.