Chapter Six: Leytonstone

Lachlan escorts a nervous Sloane into her seaside wedding at Leytonstone Inn. Seeing Rowan weep with joy steadies Sloane, and the ceremony concludes amid cheers, with Lark loudly celebrating her best friend. The party moves to a local tavern for an unfussy reception of ribs, beer, and dancing.

On the sidelines, Fionn confronts Lachlan about his sour attitude toward Lark, warning that Sloane has noticed. Sloane then wordlessly orders Lachlan to dance with Lark, leaving him no room to refuse. Lark approaches, cool and guarded, and they begin a slow dance filled with barbed honesty.

Lark reveals she can help Lachlan retire by restoring Leander Mayes’s Covaci contract and adding a new Montague contract, claiming her family’s expanding muffin empire needs outside protection and cleaning. In return, she wants his investigative help: someone is killing her mother and stepfather’s associates on a fixed schedule, leaving no trace. Lachlan’s skills from staging Rowan and Sloane’s annual game convince her he can piece it together.

Then Lark delivers the catch: they must marry to guarantee Lachlan’s safety because her family suspects him and “puts down risks.” Marriage is the only bond they’ll respect. She warns that the danger extends to Rowan. Stunned, Lachlan freezes as Rowan mounts the stage and drunkenly sings. Lark asks for a decision by night’s end, plastering on a smile as she rejoins the cheering crowd.