After Liam Livingston disappeared up the stairs, retreating into the temporary sanctuary of the bedroom, Chloe Chase let out a long, ragged breath that she hadn't realized she was holding. Her heart was still hammering against her ribs. To the world, she was the "Goddess of Port Haven," the iron-willed Managing Director of the Willow Grand. To Liam, she was an operative—a student of his Architect’s vision.
Vanessa Sterling’s face, however, shifted from a performative welcoming smile to a darkened scowl the moment her son-in-law was out of sight. "Honestly, that boy has the social awareness of a brick," she huffed, smoothing her silk blouse. "No initiative whatsoever. Chloe arrives—a woman of your stature, dear—and he can’t even be bothered to wash some fruit or play the host. He’s utterly
