r drained from his face, replaced by a blotchy, furious red. He s

e hissed, his voice trembling wi

ing, her own expression a placid mask. "I said no. I

ling, don't

es, her stepmother, descended in an elegant silk robe, her perfectly made-up face a mask o

cking to Avalon with a glint of triumphant malice. "Avalon, d

oline on a fire. Warren's rage,

Lydia's hand. "She drugged Clay Tate! The T

of the last year. She looked at Lydia's flawless performance, her stomach turning. This

don't forget her arranged marriage, Warren! If this scandal gets

face remained impassive. They were discussing her life as

as time to drop

her, her voice cutting through

ce. Even Lydia's practiced smile froze on her

t. "With what? I've frozen all your accounts. Your credit

much. "That's my p

arted for the stairs, intending to go

fury. He snatched a heavy crystal ashtray f

a concerned wife, but her grip was expertly placed to ensure he couldn't actua

s a blinding white light now, and her steps felt unsteady on the plush runner of the stairs, but she would not

hind her. "You will stay in your room until you agree to

lon's lips, unseen by anyone. He thought he could

up the stairs

ctory, following Avalon's retreating form. This was perfect. The defiant daughter,