e, Julian had been watc

f with an almost stubborn sense of dignity. This was completely different from the "Ava Caldwell" he had imagined. In his mind, a woman who married

r, Mr. Finch enter

ery and Mrs. Eleanor Mo

entered immedi

eyes, and carried an authority that needed no display of anger to command re

expensive jewelry and carrying herself with elegance and refinement. Her eyes were equall

lian's aun

almost immediately, and a gen

embled someone evaluating the value of an object, and within that singl

t second, Catherine

in front of Chloe. There was no water gl

rp gaze landed on the head housemaid, Linda

forward at once, obvious panic creeping int

ilverware, and glass, moving so quic

said softly

ke advantage of the situation. Yet somehow, that restraint and composure only m

not accept the explana

ly to Chloe's side, her voice gentle

isingly strong, nothing like what Chloe had imagined from the head of su

ous seats at the table, and the

ebrow slightly as a nearly imperceptible tr

, dear?" Catherine

ed such kindness and found h

" She answered softly.

all

, her voice carrying u

remely distinguished." She slowly looked Chloe up

Heat immediately crept up Chloe's neck, but before s

uestionable authority. "Compared to those who wear their father's wealth arou

ickered toward the dazzling diamo

ression darke

ded in an atmosphere th

company her to the sunroom. Once they we

eyes held an unexpected degree of understanding and patience. "But he is a

t had been carved from a flawless piece of imperial green jade, its semi-translucent sur

Catherine said quietly. "And b

ce of the jade. "It has always been

tended it t

lexively, she pulled her hand back as though the bracelet

her head hurriedly. "I really

a fraud standing here under someone else's name. Yet in Catherine's

ot guilt, but humility;

atted her hand, her tone warm

ade bracelet onto it. The cool stone touched her skin, carryin

e Montgomery Family." Catherine smiled sof

her wrist. To her, it felt less like jewelry and

room, Eleanor and Linda stood hidden near

sion had darkene

day belong to her, yet she had never received any response. And now, the family heirloom symbolizing the position

ot even consider

harp. "This girl is far smarter than I expected," she said

voice even further. "Find a way to make

nderstood, Madam. I'll make sure she learns that t