. They slowly parted as the SUV approached, the inf

th, their branches trimmed into perfect, rigid arches. The estate

the shadows, holding massive black umb

the gravel, then stepped up onto the pristine mar

carved into the stone, was the Barron family crest

light from the crystal chandelier inside was bli

ahead, leading her t

house. A woman in a silk robe was throwing a crystal

ron shrieked, her face twisted in r

ntrum surrounded by millions of dollars of art. Her expres

otsteps slow, measured, heavy. They cam

ent. Beatrice's next sc

fabric tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders. He moved with the lazy confidence of

epmother, ignoring the staff. They locke

jacket. The canvas shoes. But mostly, he took in her

nge irritation prickled at the b

ng his voice low. "Sir, w

They were slender, but covered in tiny ni

ont of her. He was a full head taller, forcing

d. His voice was a low rumble, laced with skepticis

eyes, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

ucked in a breath. Nobody spok

, a dark, twisted curiosity sparked in his

The road is out. I need

r voice. "She's a fraud!

ntirely. He kept his eyes o

wasn't offering her a guest room. He was tak