ella
iet dread I had anticipated, but with
rolled up the sweeping driveway of the Rowland Estate. They weren't just delivering a bride price; they were making a sta
d, her voice a calm anchor in the quiet, walnut-paneled room. The scent of old books, leather, an
the window. "And my
over the sum, but Clara pacified her." Mrs. Reid paused, her eyes darkening with a rare flash of disgust. "Clara told her, 'She's not a wife, Mother. Sh
r, toxic and revealing.
But Clara's venomous logic also planted a cold seed of doubt in my chest. Damien's ostentatious display today-was it a declaration of my worth to establish my authority, or was he simply pai
Reid murmured, glanc
of blood in the water
The heavy bulletproof glass windows framed the manicured gardens, a serene backd
their eyes gleaming with
orward, trying to use his physical bulk to intimidate me, just as he always had. "That money is for the family. A p
"Don't think playing mafia dress-
d right past them, the silk of my dress whispering agai
y couldn't see the trap snapping shut around their ankles. They thought th
y level, echoing in the sudden silen
ing for a fraction of a second. "What
er arms burdened with several thick, leather-bound books.
ledgers," I clarified, my words sharp and precise. "The ones detailing every dol
or. Connor stiffened, his
imes. It was time to
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