stood at the entrance, her heart grip

ago, her sister and mother met with accidents one after the other. Helplessly, Thea had watche

de of obedience, as her father showed no concern fo

d been selected by them, a

nside. Just before her arrival, the unmistakable

you last n

ched her ears. Raising her gaze, she saw Maggie Russell, her cousin and he

h she began to see herself as the hostess of the house. She had brazenly laid claim to many

ggi

ry. "It's still early, dear. Such anger at this hour might l

wit

's absence from the planned dinner at the hotel the previous night. They

no shame? At your age, you're alre

She clenched her fists and demanded in an

, don't emulate your elder sister

vered a resounding slap to her cheek. The impact left Maggie stunned and her cheeks flushe

. However, Thea, who was no stranger to being on the receivin

r anger. She lunged at Thea, attempting to engage he

going

ing Maggie to hastily withdraw her hand. Wh

and

her mother, Vanessa Russell. Vanessa was standing besi

attire, she wore a stern expression that seemed to impose an invisible weight upon everyone prese

and

ina, her voice

," Maggie complained first. "She slept with

ough had sought a bride for her son. The Russell Group, facing di

he photo of Thea. Mr. Reynolds had taken a liking to the photo

red older man with a gloomy disposition. Maggie