of the new day w

bedroom door had

"Sir, Madam. Breakfast is served." H

ot, but she couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes or the pale, drawn quality of her skin. She saw Julian sta

walk past him

h. His eyes, clouded with fatigue and someth

night some twisted play you and my mother cooked up to make me feel guilty?" Th

she stepped around him and walked out of the room. His name was not worth the breath it would tak

. She smiled brightly at Cecelia, a grotesque parody of maternal warmth. The tension between Julian and Cecelia was a pal

celia stood, grabbing her clutch

an said, his

e doorway but di

unnatural. "About last night. I know it wasn't yo

en she left. His admission meant nothing to

ands of spreadsheets and reports, were a comfort. She was just starting to organize

el

crafted innocence. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. I just... I wanted to apologize for

mile touch her lips.

I'd love to take you to lunch. There's a wonderful new Fren

ia knew exactly what this was: a reconnaissance mission

, her voice smooth as gla

shed elegance. Britany was already there, a vis

raphina, weaving a tapestry of shared memories that pointedly excluded Cecelia but included Julian at e

nodding politely,

ncern. "Cecelia... is everything alright between you and Julian?

the air, shimmering

glass down with a quiet click. She looked di

oice calm and even. "W

ut a hint of the pain or humiliation a wo

sh of pure, unadulterated triumph lit up her eyes before

and over her heart. "Cecelia, I am so, so

a distant, clinical curiosity. Britany had her priz

and false sympathy. When they parted ways on the sidew

ear, her voice full of admiration. "If you ev

le fixed on her face. "Thank you,

ounce in her step. The game had been played. The bait