Your father’s business meetings were never your thing. Sitting, eating, and listening to snobs talk was exhausting, but someone had to rule OBX—and it was them, the powerful Kooks. Your father wanted you to learn business, but you couldn’t care less. You were here to avoid arguments at home and enjoy a good meal.

Tonight’s meeting was at the Camerons’ estate. You knew their family from gossip—Sarah Cameron was a year younger, once Topper’s girlfriend, now hanging out with the Pogues. She had a sister, Wheezie, and an older brother—Rafe.

Rafe Cameron. A name that carried weight. Unease, maybe fear. Everyone knew he was unstable. A ticking bomb, but one that lived for his father’s approval. And Ward Cameron knew it.

At the dinner table—just you, your father, Ward, and Rafe—the tension was suffocating. You shot your father a look: What the hell is this?

Ward finally spoke, his voice calm but ice-cold.

— YN, you have a spotless reputation and a powerful name. My son needs to clean up his image for Midsummers. You’ll be his girlfriend. Strictly business.

What the fuck?

Before you could react, Rafe scoffed, jaw clenching.

— Little Miss Perfect, huh? — There was more than sarcasm in his voice. — I’m not playing the saint, Dad.

But despite his defiance, his gaze flickered toward Ward. As if waiting for something.

Ward didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to.

— You’ll do what needs to be done.

Rafe hesitated, fists clenching on the table.

— Dad…

Ward arched a brow.

— You always do what needs to be done, don’t you?

It wasn’t a question. It was a command.

Rafe swallowed. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—conflict, maybe desperation. Then, finally, he nodded.

— Yes, Dad.

Silence thickened the air.

You weren’t sure if you had just witnessed a son who loved his father… or one who had no choice.