fe anywhere in the mansion. The stillness was oppressive, like a heavy blanket had been draped over the entire estate. She

ey mist hung over the grounds shrouding everything in a damp fog. The mist seemed to cling to the trees and bushes, making

the property. It was quiet, but not empty. She could sense that someone was inside, and she knew that someone was Tori. Tori was still here, something

and entitlement, as if she believed that Connel still belonged to her. Ariel had seen the way Tori's eyes ha

nd began to get ready for the day. She didn't know what lay

iel was greeted by the familiar sight of Watson, who was busy setting the table. "G

uneasy feeling. "Yes,thank you, Watson. Altho

t? But I'm sure Master Connel will be down soon." Ariel nodded, taking a seat at the table. She

ad, she found Tori. The woman was seated in the sunroom, legs crossed, sipping from one of the porc

, her tone light. "

er right away. "Y

uses are such a luxury

swer, attemptin

come sit with me." Tori

, arms Crossed. "Why

up down carefully. "Connel told you nothing about me, did he? Not even a whisper

tral but her heartbeat betray

lightly. "Did he ever

furrowed, not

cause his father is not just a man. He's an empire, the ki

"What does that have

e of the bond our fathers shared but all of a sud

seems to make sense." Ari

for them once, not as a lover, not as a trophy but a

mouth but Tori

me could they be playing with you? Or don't you see

. "Why should I belie

m about Vienna, ask him why he sleeps so little. Why does he always ke

ori, replaying everything she

rice. And Connel's already paid part of it. The o

k a slow

e safe in this house, married to him. But y

atching in her throat. Tori's wor

. He didn't even look at her and for the first time since enter

est house, but Tori was already waiting - curled on the sofa in silk, bar

knock, he

ing at him. "I was wond

l said, voice low and ti

ine lazily. "I onl

napped. "You weaponize it, twist it u

him. "Don't act like y

at his sides. "Ariel has

u're making her part of it. Dragging her into your world. Your f

ce inches from hers. "Sat

gleaming. "You'll threaten me? Sil

altered just

the records, and change your name on every offshore a

denly cold. "That w

orgotten,"

slate. But I know better, you don't do anything without a reason. So tell me, Connel, what ar

s voice dropped to a whisper. "

ranger into your life and call it love. Esp

e door, Tori's voice floated behind him like a shadow. "You can pretend with he

ithout an

wine, her smile returning. One thread pu