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

er knuckles turned white. She forced the corne

for asking," Francesca said, her voice ste

oser, invading France

hing. She has such an exquisite eye for Renaissance art. She knows exactly how to host a proper Kirkla

's cheeks. The humiliati

, but the massive carved wooden doors

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

h spark of gratitude flared in Fra

d up, parting her

yes m

was no affection, no protective wa

, his lips brushi

e whispered, his tone sharp enough to draw blood.

froze, shattering into

He only cared about the pristine

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

erfect, Emery," Cata

t over Emery's shoulder and locked eyes with Francesca

oat. The hypocrisy of the two men and th

," Frances

twisted her body, breaking free from Emery's ir

s of the women's restroom and loc

as she dragged

rble sink. The woman staring back at her in the m

g water run over her wrists. She splashed the

ection, her eyes harde

him touch her toni