He waved one hand dismissively.
"I've done extensive research on him, by the way. Very thorough research. And I have to tell you honestly, Cora - I couldn't find anything. Nothing impressive. Nothing that would suggest he is the kind of man who could offer you the life you deserve or the partnership you should be building toward."
His voice took on a note of something that might have been genuine conviction. "He is not the kind of person you want to tie yourself to long-term. He is not someone you should be holding in high regard or investing your emotional energy into."
He met her eyes directly.
"I want a relationship with you, Cora. A real one. A partnership built on mutual respect and shared ambition and the kind of connection that two people like us - two people who understand power and strategy and what it takes to win - can create together."
