Penelope POV
"You actually paid the full bill?" I asked, my voice cutting through the thick air of the private dining room.
Julian did not look up from his hands.
His knuckles were stark white against the dark mahogany table.
"Every single coin," Leif interjected from my left, his laugh low and sharp. "The great heir of the Blue-Claw Pack had to empty his reserves just to clear his name. Marcella and Hazel practically crawled out of the auction house on their hands and knees."
"They fled like stray dogs," Eliora whispered, leaning closer to me. "The entire city is laughing at them."
I watched Julian carefully.
His shoulders were stiff under his tailored jacket.
"They deserved worse," Cooper said, his deep voice rattling the crystal glasses on the table.
Foster stepped into the gap
