ONCE A HEIRESS, NOW THE BILLIONAIRE'S MAID

taking in the soothing scent of lavender candles wafting through the air. It was a signature touch from her housekeeper, Mrs. Marshall, but t

out a glance. Mrs. Marshall emerged from the kitchen, car

ile, straightening a napkin. "Your father stopped by earlier, a

ipped. "Not hungry," she said, heading for

replied, handing her a brown envel

ing it open. Mrs. Marshall hesitate

day's been awful, Mrs. Marshall. I'm sorry for snappin

efree laughter. Valerie's annoyance flared anew. Bursting into the room, her gaze locked on La

laimed, planting her

, you never said I couldn't try it on,

nd-new! I haven't even worn it yet."

t a whole wardrobe of unworn clothes. Besides, do

er lips, but still, she held her ground

f the dress and tossing it onto a cha

, her frustration bubbling over. "He's cut me off. Cancelled all my cards, won't answer

opening the letter. "Wait, se

said I need to 'become responsible,

looked at her friend with sympathy. "Wow.

ally awkward situation, and I had to even involv

Okay, this bad!"

help, not after the messy breakup he had with

eturn?" Layla asked, her

s that?" Valerie said

ng again. "I went to get this necklace today, and some rude guy-some arr

hed as if trying not to laug

t my dad's card declined, and he was just... there, wa

at's actually terrible. But come

nking back the frustrati

had me feeling like a joke! You should have seen how he acted like he was talking to a peasant; I am No peasant! I am Valerie Davis! Nobody treats me like a pushover!

and on her shoulder. "Hey, you're still Valerie Davis. You don't nee

e my call," V

elf or feel bad; you need to cheer up and let's go eat dinner; your housekeeper must ha

ne make me feel like this. Get dressed," she said, shaking off the mood. "We

her feet. "Now you're talk

nner. Let's hit the club an