Joanne's stomach twisted like a wrung-out towel, but she could only lower her gaze in silent submission.
She'd fallen right into Quinn's meticulously laid trap—what else could she do but take this loss lying down?
Mrs. Grey let out a long, disappointed sigh. "I know you're too kind for your own good, Quinn," she chided. "But some vultures only prey on the gentle—the more you yield, the more they take. Zane, open your eyes! Who truly deserves to wear the Grey family name? I won't dredge up your past disgrace, but from today onward, your loyalty belongs to Quinn alone!"
Zane remained stone-faced. He wouldn't defy his mother openly, but neither would he bend to her will.
Mrs. Grey's hawk-like eyes dissected his defiance instantly. Just as her temper flared, Joanne cut in firmly.
"Mrs. Gr
