like a punishment. The luxury, the sprawling rooms, the army of staff ready to cater to her every
ldn't beg, she wouldn't whine, but she would remind Lorenzo that she was n
e that clung to her curves. She brushed her auburn hair until it shimmered, added a touch of red to her lips, and dab
t herself in. The room was dimly lit by the flickering glow of a firepla
thing. Keep it that way,"
fr
r. He ended the call swif
e you do
ht we could talk. Maybe spend some t
blank. Then, with a shake of his head, he
o this,"
you? Be your wife?" Ivy asked,
u knew what this was, Ivy. Don't t
at's it? I'm just some pawn in
ou because I thought that you, of all people, would be grateful for an opportuni
fe?" Ivy shot back. "I'm p
choose to see it
ay should I see
ipped his drink, then walke
night
ing me like this?"
ht, Ivy," Lorenz
eding out one drop at a time. Then she lifted her
efeated. She wouldn't try again. Salvatore was wrong
'd find her own purpose. She had survived worse. She had endured pain th
ve breakfast in the dining hall. An
now on, I'll take all m
sure, ma'am? Madam Ol
d said, "Then she'll just
elf. Ivy was to report to the Art Room at noon. Cu
ngs, sculptures, and rare antiques. Olivia stood by the tall window
me?" Ivy asked,
ned. "Yes.
ing on the edge o
ly gatherings has been... uninspiring. You are to be introduced
etting a job," she said confidently
humorless laugh. "Martinelli women do not work li
be a symbol," Ivy sna
ork, and society luncheons. Starting next week, an etiq
e it sound like I'm a dog in
ead and said, "If t
. She yanked open her door, slammed it behind her, and ki
is," she growled in f
ith a strategy to regain her freedom. She wasn't going to let these Mar
for bed. But as she lifted the cov
ing, was coiled beneath the silk
feet. She scrambled into the bathroom,
awled in red lipst
HERE YOU CAME
nna came rushing in seconds l
What h
And look! The mirror!
bed. His face paled. He spoke into his
s trembling. "This isn't just a
by Giulia, who was wearing headphones
is going on?" O
" Ivy snapped. "And left a deat
, "I hope you're not jus
t her. "Go check th
e bedroom. Giulia leaned ag
resting finally happened aroun
her. Her min
t the animal control people to remove the snake and have the maid
y. "Aren't you going to try and fin
job," Olivia
y bathroom mirror? Should we at l
dismissively and swept away. Giul
dn't they realize how serious this was? Someone in the mansion w
in began to feel a whole lot more dangerous. W
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