th coming rough and uneven. A flicker of clarity crossed h

Caroline pressed, a razor-thin edge o

y. He didn't bother replying. Instead, he straightened stiffly, his expression shuttering i

yes. She'd foolishly believed that his sudden tenderness had been real-an unguarded moment of affection brou

d down the sting and asked steadily, "Did you pull str

letting out a low scoff. "What's this? H

traying nothing. "I'm asking

ne flat and dismissive. "Decisions like that don't hinge on me alone. Banki

d toward the guest room, the quiet click

uch burning against her fingertips. She shut her eyes, a bitter sting creeping

ugh the curtains, a firm knock on the door j

word, the latch turned, a

hreshold made her expression harden. "What are you doing here?"

licate features, that practiced, demure smile making her look as harmless as a lamb. "Carrie, you're awake," she said lightly, stepping insid

her against the headboard, her voice stripped of any wa

as she murmured, "I didn't mean anything by it. Vince asked me to come.

ard the door, every mov

line let the words drip with mockery. "You'v

ng above eyes clouded with red. "I truly didn't mean to offend you. I

reasonable." Her gaze slid toward Hazel's hands, lingering on the soft nude-pink polish. The m

them tightened l

ic betraying her calm façade. Had Caroline fo

areless ease of someone fresh from sleep-though the chill in his eyes told another story. "What

you're already parading your mistress into the house? She's your step-aunt,

nly worried about protecting the dignity of the 'lawful wife' now?" T

sparing her a glance and pu

re still tucked away inside the wardrobe! "Wait

e. A crisp folder slipped from the top she

for several

at the scattered papers. "What is this?"