His proposal was far from flattering—Under the circumstances, Carey had no alternative but to accept Brandon Scott's marriage proposal. Otherwise, her younger sister would find herself out of a job and facing criminal charges. — Brandon arrogantly admitted that he wanted a wife with poise and intelligence to run his house, host his parties and not fly off in a jealous rage when, occasionally, a rare and interesting woman would catch his fancy. In return, Carey would have all the trappings of wealth—jewelry, fashions, servants, power—and a husband who was not above blackmail.