ntly-three men in expensive suits turning to stare at her like she was an exotic animal that had escaped its cage. "Anna." Her father's voice held a warning that made her spine

scover my engagement in

h embarrassment and anger, while the younger Devereaux-Alexander-watched

the way you privately arranged to sell me to the highest bidder?" She turned her fury on Alexander, who had the audacity to

word tasted like poison on her tongue. "How romantic". Romance is a luxury we can't afford," he replied, his dark eyes never lea

ue. "My duty?" She laughed the sound sharp enough to make her father wince. "My duty is to myself, not to some medieval arrangement between men who think women

itcase at her feet and her mother's jewelry case in her hands. Every piece told a story-the sapphire earrings from her paren

message without responding. She'd heard enough from her stepmother's lips pressed to her father's ear, whispering poison about duty a

'll come around," Victoria was saying. "A few days without her trust fund will change her perspective." "And if it doesn't?" Richard's voice sou

word. Stay and submit, or lose everything that connected her to the woman who'd loved her unconditionally. She made her choice in that momen

acket as she walked away from the only home she'd ever known. Behind her, the Bellamy mansion blazed with light-a golden cage she'd f