en a long day, filled with whispers and glares at the office. She kn

of emptiness in the massive house. She hadn't seen Alexander since t

stopping as the maids noticed her. Their eyes widened slight

nything? We can prepa

eir 'ma'am.' She wasn't anything in this house

Her voice was calm

es. Maria, the oldest amo

"Yes. Cooking isn't something

ps. "It's just... t

" Elena's tone remained neutr

laugh before quickl

head. "Fine. But don't comp

e from the counter, beginning

glancing at her. Eventually, Maria spoke

ook up. "What

d, demand

riefly before she res

fault for thinking that. The m

wasn't like she was her

in. Then, softly, one of the

inking, she joined in, her voic

e. She kept her focus on the task, her voice

the figure leaning

His sharp eyes swept over the s

ned, their faces turning pale. Without a word, they lo

tting, unawar

ed behind her,

fr

behind "Did I marry

knife, but she kept her face

air between them vanishing

ring at the cutting

hed past her, his hand brushing again

eath h

t where I put you." His voice was co

aid n

gaze never leaving her. "Or are y

er voice to st

tugged at hi

d, he turned and walked away, leaving behi

aled, gripping t

have expe

o warmth in

-

air was heavy, thick with tension. The walls, the chandeliers, the luxury,non

Damon B

out in fear. A man

a knowing smirk. The firelight cast sharp shadows

was smooth but laced with something d

d sharply.

a quiet warning. "We both know you

her palm. "It must

k a slow step forward. "Your mother switched you out l

e was steady. "You can annu

epeated, as if the idea was amusing. "You think

. "You don't want m

kened instantly. "

tone slicing throu

s get one thing straight, Ivy. I don't care that you weren't the intended bride." He steppe

ched. "I'm not

er sold you off to the highest bidder. You just ha

just wait till I get out of here, Elena,but what does he mean her mother sold off to the highe

uel," she

inessman, sweetheart. Cru

hest tightening. "This

voice was closer now, just b

ran down

" She forced

ack, his touch featherlight, yet i

rm against her ear. "You