Kirkland estate's main banquet hall

epped into the noisy room alone, wearing a conservative, high

ored suits and glittering d

where to

o finally deci

her stepmother-in-law, marching toward her with a flute

own Francesca's dress. She let out

g guests could hear. "How are those dry, boring numbers doing in your lit

upted into a chorus of syn

te. She had spent three years swallowing these insults, forcing poli

t might revolutionize quantum entanglement theory. But please, don't let me bore you with details. I know complex ideas can be... challenging

Marion's face flushed an ugly, mottled red

ssive carved wooden doors of the

ode into

h him. The chatter near the doors died down in

arge hand wrapping firmly around her wais

mpletely rigid at the su

d onto Marion. They wer

ize a few old paintings to prove her worth," Emery's voice

ed. Faced with the absolute authority of the CEO, she fo

ng whispers c

in her chest weeks ago was dead. He hadn't defended her-he had defende

ead up, parting

yes m

was no affection, no protective wa

, his lips brushi

e whispered, his tone sharp enough to draw blood.

n the eye. "Then perhaps you should spend less time playing guard dog for your brother'

or one heartbeat, she saw shock-genuine, unfiltered

me

c voice floated

clung to her curves, drifted toward them like a butter

d, the hand resting on France

Francesca almost gasped. His fin

mask the pain, watching in horror as th

commodating, and stripped of all its sharp edges. "Are you getting used to th

blow. It felt like a backh

ina. "Emery is so thoughtful, isn't he? He always takes such good care of his... fami

red. "Oh, I do. He's be

g it?" Francesca asked, he

tably. Catalina's eyes went wide with innocent confusio

esca said smoothly

d and walked away, her spine straight, le