step, still weighing her next move

with the rhythmic thud o

med out from the inner hall, assembling themselves

ead in a graceful bow, her voice steady and warm. "Miss Bennett, welcome

her spoke in perfect unison, their greeting rolling t

ioning look toward Andreas. "Mr. Reid,

is voice steady and unyielding. "The Bennett fami

she expected, sending a qui

s only a matter of time before everyone in high society learned she'd been tossed

elt like a public decree-Aimee Ben

y the room's stillness. She understood perfectly well that he wasn't some

ed to those cold-blooded relatives, Andr

an trust her with anything," Andreas said, offe

to follow him. "Mr. Reid

effortless authority. "There's no hurry. I'm looking

and the engine's soft growl drifted into the distance,

er here without

dying her pulse. Fine. Being left alone onl

ki stepped forward and offered a sleek black bank card resting on her o

ee's lips as she took the card. Andreas truly

ll," Vicki said gently, her tone wrapped in warmth. "The bath

led after the servants, her steps

rrying the warm sweetness of rose oil

her eyes drift shut, letting the scent coax her nerve

first instinct had been

as nothing more than a restless shadow-she had watched e

cs, he had been generous towar

three major market swings with razor-sharp accuracy, sh

e her early release and quietly funnele

was simple-a tenfold re

hisper slipped from her throat, a cold

ke the Bennett family watch from below as she cl

fabric hugging her curves with effortless elegance. Soft curls framed her face, her mak

ne admiration. "Miss Bennett, this

g at her lips. "I need you to look

lies, winning hearts, and rebuild

e Plaza, the glittering heart of e

sales assistant glided toward her with a practiced smil

mouth when a soft, sugar-coat

dress is absol

ed, then she turned,

ed ornament, her manicured finger aimed at

with indulgent ease. "Go ahead and tr

y flickering across her face. "My apologies... this piece

pping across his features. "What's that suppo

ushed to clarify. "Not at all, sir

finish, a smooth, icy female voic

up. I'm b