With only Claudina and Lia in the room, he spoke in a barely controlled rage. “I know what you want. You’re just like all the rest. And you will get nothing from me. Nothing. Do you understand me?”
The old woman spat at the toe of his boots. “You ruined any chance of my daughter ever making a good match! You will at least give her your name now that you have taken her spotless reputation.”
“He will do no such thing,” Lia stated with venomous anger. Ren stared at her in amazement. “This was a plan that you and Ottavia concocted.” He watched closely as Lia stood up to her aunt and began reciting what she saw and heard.
“I stood at the open door and listened as your daughter began some sad tale about wanting to leave your house and go to England with us. She’d never be able to create any s
