A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 179

Jackson's jaw was set, his expression rigid. "You just wrapped up a string of major projects and you're heading back home soon. You should be taking it easy, not getting caught up in something like this."

Jocelyn insisted she wouldn't stir up trouble, but both Elvis and Winona were far from ordinary. If she insisted on getting between the two of them, she'd be courting disaster.

But he knew his sister too well. On the surface, she seemed gentle and proper—underneath, she was more stubborn and reckless than anyone he knew.

"I don't need a break," Jocelyn replied coldly. "Besides, there's no time for rest right now."

He sighed. "What's the point of all this? Even if you put aside everything else, you know Dad would never let you be with Elvis."

"Dad?" Jocelyn let out a short, mocking laugh, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "He only cares about what's best for the Quincy family. If I could bring Elvis over to our side, do you really think he'd object?"

Jackson fell silent. Jocelyn glanced at him, then suddenly smiled. "And let's not forget, our dear Quincy family was once eager to arrange a marriage alliance with the Thornes. Dad even told me, if the Thorne family accepted, you'd be the one marrying Miss Thorne."

She tilted her head, studying Jackson. "I've always wondered… If the Thornes had actually agreed, and Dad asked you to marry Winona, would you have gone through with it?"

"There's no point in talking about what-ifs," Jackson replied, his tone flat. "The Thornes never agreed, so there's nothing to discuss."

"I'm just curious," Jocelyn said, her grin widening. "If you refuse, then the responsibility falls on Jude. Would you really be willing to hand over someone as beautiful as Miss Thorne to that spoiled brat?"

"Enough!" Jackson's face darkened. "I don't want to keep talking about this."

"Joking? I don't think so."

She walked over and leaned her arm casually across the back of his chair. "Big brother, if you like someone, you have to go after them. Playing it cool won't get you anywhere."

Jackson shot her a sharp look, his gaze dark and intense. "Jocelyn, what are you really after?"

"After? I'm not after anything." Jocelyn spread her hands, feigning innocence. "I just think, if you like Winona and I like Elvis, isn't this perfect? We each get what we want. If we split them up, everyone wins."

"Unbelievable!"