Richard heard him too.
He still wore his smile, but the hand holding his glass lowered slightly.
"To family," he said, before anyone could react. "To the future."
Everyone raised their glasses.
I didn't.
Edward Ashcombe looked away first, then moved towards the side of the ballroom. Richard followed him with his eyes for a second before returning to his guests.
I stepped closer to Shadric.
"Again, who is this man?"
"I don't know."
"You're lying."
"I'm not."
"You're not so good at lying."
"And you've already decided I'm lying?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes and sipped my drink.
"Never mind. Apparently being Mrs Vale is meant to answer every question."
Before he could respond, Victoria appeared beside us.
"People are waiting to congratulate you."
"How kind of them," I said.
"I
