Chapter 22

• Adrian cut in quickly, his voice firm. "Mom, please listen to me. I can't take her dowry."
• Evelyn's eyes burned with fury. "You're being a fool, Adrian! That woman has humiliated us beyond measure, and yet you want to let her go so easily? She wants me gone, and you're still defending her?"
• I watched from the shadows of my thoughts, the sharp sting of his words cutting deeper than I'd expected. My chest tightened, but I kept my expression calm, unreadable. I had been prepared for this, but hearing it still sent a bitter wave through me.