re Ave

ballroom snapped to t

tears, yet loud enough for everyone to hear. "Miss Eleanore... s

ted account, her words painting a viv

stepped forward, playing her part to perfection. She clutched her chest, her face a mask of he

e failed. I have failed to properly guide my niece. To thi

the accusation as fact and positioning

irection. It only confirmed his decision was the right one. He moved to Finley's s

ed, a venomous tid

On her own

mryn rejected her.

the theater of my own destruction wi

a dark, furious red. He was an old wolf,

room and finally landed on me. It was fi

he base of his cane against the marble floor. The

orious glance. They had won. The Patriarch's

a frantic footman burst into the ballroom

ible!" he gasped, skidding t

unease in her eyes. Before she could s

Her dress is torn... she's with a

e whispers about me died instantly, replaced by shocked

hrieked and ran t

en, their perfect plan derail

rage. Two scandals in one night. His fami

dith. "Is this how you manage this

speechless, h

was too much f

shallow gasps. His eyes, filled with a terrible fear

n our house..

d he slumped backward in his

ted for guards, for a doctor. Finley, ever the actress, collap

rm, I stood perfectly sti