ng fractured light over the long mahogany table. Silver candelabras stood like sentinels, their flickering flames reflecting

ngle to exude effortless confidence. She'd been trained for moments like this-to appear p

is voice smooth yet laced with an ed

she replied, choosin

ile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Impressi

im unnerve her. "I've grown up surrounded by o

"Evelyn has always had a sharp tongue. I'm sure

r his glass of wine, his movements deliberate

itation; it was a command disguised as courtesy. Reluctantly, she followed hi

xplained, his voice echoing slightly. "Built in the late

her tone dry. "Is that what

t candlelight cast shadows across his sharp features, mak

w, refusing to b

pproval is irrelevant. We all have roles to play, Miss

e but refused to let it show. "I don'

eyes narrowing. "Then don't.

urned and continued down the c

.

of Wycliffe ancestors. Their painted gazes followed Evelyn as

y eyes and an expression as cold as stone. "Edmund Wycliffe," he said, his voice softe

studying the portrait.

Admiration isn't the word I'd use. But he und

e air, and Evelyn felt a k

or, turning to face her. "You'll be staying here tom

ffened. "E

room for argument. "We need time to... familiarize

ough her. She opened her mouth to protest, but Sebastian was alr

her. It was exquisite, of course-antique furniture, silk curtains, a chand

s. The estate grounds stretched out below, a labyrinth of

he turned to see one of the Wycliffe sta

y, her hands clutching the edges of

he maid placed the tray on the small table, Evely

?" Evelyn asked, h

ard the door. "Yes, Miss. It's just... i

l the maid left before picking up the teacup. As she sip

s' secrets lay buried. And she wasn't sure if she