sun-drenched solarium of the Sterling estate, sketching designs in a leather-bound no

's number that morning, a necessary evi

was delivered to your house. Did you get it? She said sh

Sophia's real motive: to confirm the trap was set and to gauge Vivi

placid lake. "It's very... striking. But tha

ediately soured. "Vivienne, sh

were cut off by a theatrical gasp from his end of the

My an

icked concern. "Sophia! What happened?

ophia just fell down the stairs or something. I have

ne wen

n her previous life, this fake injury had lured Brant away for an entire day, causing him to miss a di

be bothered to f

as a gift. It gave her

the manicured gardens, and dialed the number

ing. His voice was a low barit

need a favor. An expert witness, you

lmost hear the gears turning in his

liate me with a counterfeit gown. I need the most respected, most unimp

e Sophia. She

dear, little troublemaker," Julian's voice was lac

e smile. "Consider it a proposal for

Alistair Finch. He was formerly the head of Christie'

in the worlds of high fashion and art

a feeling of satisfaction settling deep in h

u at th

d voice in the background on his end. "Mr.

aker off. "Cancel it. Resche

th spreading through her. He had just p

his boss end the call with a thoughtful expression. He made a qu

future Mrs. Ca