***
CH1264: A Balogun Bride
**
Shade noticed her reaction and nodded.
"The Balogun Family holds blood ties in very high regard," she said.
"They reject the idea of a woman giving up her surname in marriage. So legally, when you marry into the family—you keep your name."
She looked thoughtfully at the wall.
"In my years as a wife in this family, I've found that this trait is both a blessing and a curse.
"On the one hand, you gain a powerful community behind you. One that protects and supports you no matter what.
"But on the other... if you're not blood, you have to work harder to earn the right to be called family."
Shade turned fully to Iwatomi.
"You do know, don't you, that most non-blood members of the Balogun Family are highly influential people?"
Iwatomi nodded.
"That's not because the family chooses the best," Shade continued.
"It's the environment.
"This family doesn't tolerate mediocrity. They work every day to cast it out of themselves. It's who they are.
