The applause was still echoing when Lucy noticed her. A striking woman with honey-blonde hair moved through the crowd with practiced grace, heading straight for them.
"William," the woman said, her voice smooth as silk. "That was quite a performance."
William's body went rigid. "Victoria. I didn't know you were in town."
"I wouldn't miss the Ashcroft Foundation fundraiser." Victoria's eyes shifted to Lucy, assessing. "And you must be the new Mrs. Ashcroft. I'm Victoria Monroe."
Lucy's stomach dropped. William's ex-fiancée.
"It's nice to meet you," Lucy managed.
"Is it?" Victoria's smile was cold. "I was surprised when I heard William had remarried. So quickly after…well, after everything."
"There is no 'us,'" William said flatly. "There hasn't been for three years."
"Has it been th
