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