oom. It was arranged like a courtr

pained disappointment expertly plastered on his face. Behind them, Isabella stood, dabbing at her perfectl

he room and stood, her posture per

ne. The sharp crack echoed in the tense silenc

d her lips. "I'm afraid not. Pl

u are hurt by what happened with Julian. But to openly defy your father

sister... I never should have fallen in love with Julian. P

hetic glances from the elders. Th

You will apologize to Julian and accept his generous offer! If you refuse, I will have

the air. It was soc

unding her. The hypocrite. The wea

ds. The Vanderbilt name is

ar van

and clear. "Father, do you truly believe that making your fi

y, his face turning a blotchy re

Cornelius interjected smoothly. "Your sacrifice

rously soft tone, "to secure a future for Isabella and a mil

had just exposed his personal st

p. "It seems the head of House Beaumont is no longer

his feet, his face contorted with fury. "Insol

rvants stepped f

ld advise you to think very carefully before

r, confusing them. What

into the room, his voice t

he Grand Duke's Guard, Lord Rook,

Vanderbilt? What business could the

he room swivel

d across her face. Her r