Lady Stephanie raised her head as she spoke calmly, trying her best not to think too deeply about it. She smiled politely—so serenely that even Zekel's body stiffened.
"Very true, Lord Zekel. Mother is absolutely correct," she said smoothly, as Lady Emberga's smile curled sweetly at her granddaughter's words.
If only she knew the little exchange that had passed between their eyes. Stephanie knew this man was truly messing with her head and he knew exactly what he was doing. She also knew that the few days he'd be staying might not be easy. But she was determined to avoid him and make sure she didn't see him—by all means necessary.
But why?
Zekel nodded calmly, reaching for his glass of juice and gently gulping it down. As he did, his eyes slid toward Stephanie—and landed on her lips.
***
