Chapter 86

GABE

Tyler’s words cut through the tension in the room like a knife. My mom’s head whipped around, her eyes narrowing at him. “Excuse me?” she hissed.

“No one is going to touch Mila,” Tyler repeated, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. He uncrossed his arms, pushing off the wall and stepping closer to the cent of the room. His casual demeanor was gone, replaced by something unreadable.

My mom blinked, clearly taken aback. She wasn’t used to being challenged by anyone but my dad. “And why, exactly, do you think you have a say in this?” she demanded. “You’re the reason we’re in this predicament.”

Tyler flinched but stayed his ground. “Because, as much as you think she’s a problem, she’s actually an asset.”

My dad, who had been watching Tyler with a steely gaze, finally spoke up. “Explain yourself, Tyler. How can she be an asset?”

“The whole event wasn’t a total bust. Because of her, we got a lucrative opportunity to work with Frances Deveaux. His partnership could possibly be