I stepped through the massive doors of the Sterling mansion, Arthur's hand still at the small of my back. The foyer alone was bigger than my entire apartment, with gleaming marble floors and a chandelier that dripped crystals like frozen tears.
Old Mrs. Sterling hobbled in behind us, leaning on her cane. "Home sweet home! Isn't it lovely, Elara dear?"
Before I could answer, voices echoed from the adjacent sitting room—one shrill and pleading, the other deep with barely contained fury.
"Caleb, please understand. I was only trying to protect your family's reputation!"
"By manufacturing lies about my cousin? What were you thinking?"
I recognized those voices immediately. Fiona and Caleb.
Arthur's jaw tightened as we approached the doorway. He glanced at me. "Ready?"
I squared my shoulders. "Always."
