iling windows wrapped the space in light, and sleek furnishings whispered of understated luxury. Yet tonight, th

any desk between them gleamed under the amber glow of the chandelier, and the faint scent

y lazily, his expression unreadable. "You're being

ice laced with incredulity. "You're selling me o

a sharp clink. "Evelyn, you're my daughte

"Everything you've done has been for your da

Everything. Do you think those designer gowns, those trips to Monaco, and that flat in Paris pay for themse

ed floor. "Then marry him yourself," she spat before stormin

on of her-elegant, immaculate, and drowning in excess. Gowns hung in an open closet li

them in passing, their name whispered in circles of old money and power. A family

ghts. She snatched it up, expecting another lecture from her

fes? Isn't that the family w

. The Wycliffes' reputation preceded them-a family of secrets, whispers,

ckly ty

tly, I'm the sa

nded almos

hot, maybe it

riosity. What did Sebastian Wycliffe even look like? Was h

rushing against her bare shoulders. Below, London glittered like a sea of sta

and perfect, but now she could s

hands clenched tightly in her lap. The drive to the Wycliffe estat

er end. Evelyn ignored him, focusing instead on the scenery outside. The bustling streets of Lon

its ivy-draped stone walls rising like a fortress against the gray sky. Turrets and chimneys ju

He was tall and impeccably dressed, his tailored suit accentuating his sharp features. Dark hair sw

ffering a handshake. "Sebas

berate. His gaze shifted to Evelyn as she emerged from th

e steps with measured grace. He offere

e slipping her hand into his. His grip

Wycliffe,"

ntensity, the quiet power behind his gaze. "Thank

hand and gestured towar

ithin the mansion was heavy, filled with the scent of polished wood and old books

eared, her elegance striking. She greeted Victor with a poli

seat at the long dining table, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was