found herself standing before an ornate mirror in one of the Arquett

k fabric hugged her frame, the high neckline adding a touch of sophistication, while the long sleeves gave her an air of quiet rest

was designed to project the im

, she

oor pulled her f

me

ored charcoal suit that fit him with effortless precision. He

er it was time, but instead, he lingered

tated, as if searchin

ched a brow.

but the amusement didn't r

ore bitter than amused. "You re

them with an ease that sent an involuntary shiver

aze. "No, it's

in his ja

said after a pause. "And for toda

head slightly. "And wh

nreadable, but his voice

d reminder of what this was

ing an invisible crease on her dr

ookshelves and portraits of generations past. A long table was set up at the front, microphones neat

ook at her, didn't acknowledge her, but his hand rested lightly on the

composed, her lips curved int

seated at Lucian's right, her posture flawless. She offered Al

g his throat. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank

, anticipation t

nce the union between Lucian Arquett

kept her smile in place, though her f

ow, the Arquette family holds tradition and legacy in the highest regard. This marriage i

ent to th

. Not to co

t d

mediately fi

how did the t

sitated. "Throug

t diplomat

"Mrs. Arquette, was th

nership is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared g

es. But she didn

ed toward her, a subt

t, "some sources claim that you had no

ir te

y against the table. "Circumst

y controll

r of something else beneath his

n answered with the ease of a man used to public scrutiny, while Alessandra mirrored

's voice cut through the air

s that your late wife, Vivienne Laurent, is still the love of your life.

le

meras seeme

t she didn't turn to Lucian. Instead, she ke

ession remain

voice smooth, controlled. "Alessandra is my wif

e that left no room f

d ever so slightly against th

soon after, the tension lingerin

lone, Alessandra turne

w tigh

'll always be comp

ook at her. "It

ugh there was no humor in it. "It doe

hand through his hair. "I won't

ready am,

e was answ

e diamond bracelet on her wrist. "The

ly turne

in another w

g in Lucian's cold exterior seemed to crack. A

quickly, i

ood," he

dn't shake the feeling that she was sta