“Until you realize you need to stop controlling my life, you can't be a part of it, and I can't be a part of yours."
She placed her cup back on the table, her gaze furious. "That's not the correct response. I'll give you five minutes to reconsider your answer."
"That was the right answer, and my final one. I'm staying, and no amount of emotional or physical blackmail can change my mind."
She let out a loud, impatient sigh. "Stop being dramatic. You're always acting as if I'm doing something horrible, but you know I'm only looking out for your best interests."
"No, you're not. All you care about is the family business, the status and privileges that come with it. You don't care about my best interests or my happiness."
Her tone turned frosty. "Listen carefully, Ellie. I'm saving you from making a terrible mistake. If you're doing this for him, it's not a smart decision, and you'll regret it. You don't belong here, and people like us don't belong with people like Alec Mackenzie."
"I'm doing this for myself." My tone rose. "You may not care, but I have a life here. I'm running my own business. I truly appreciate everything you've done for me and our family, but it's clear that you value the family business more than your own child. I've had enough of living my life being controlled and suffocated by you. It's time for you to move on.”