Chapter 11
Austin’s mother’s lips trembled, but she forced a bright, radiant smile for the crowd. “Of course, darling,” Victoria whispered. Her words were sweet, like sugar coating a sharp piece of steel, as she moved back to her seat beside her husband. Behind her calm face, Lucy could sense that Victoria's heart was racing and her mind was calculating. She was already testing Lucy without words.
The giant doors of the mansion swung open. Austin took Lucy's hand firmly. Lucy’s fingers tightened around his automatically as they stepped inside. The marble floors shone beautifully beneath massive crystal chandeliers. But the bright lights did nothing to soften the cold eyes surrounding her. Every relative, every business partner, and every powerful ally watched her closely. They were weigh
