"And you mistook that," Allison said, voice silken and deadly, "for stupidity."
Anthony opened his mouth.
Lucian said, very calmly, "You should leave now."
This time it wasn't advice.
Everyone heard it.
Anthony heard it too.
His gaze flicked between Lucian, Adrian, Susanna, and Allison, and whatever he saw there finally told him he was outnumbered in every way that mattered.
He laughed harshly, but it came out hollow.
"This isn't over."
Lucian's gaze stayed flat on him. "For you, no. It isn't."
Something in Anthony's face tightened. Then, furious and humiliated and smart enough not to push further while three powerful families' eyes were on him, he stepped back.
Not far.
Just far enough.
Coward.
Adrian looked toward the staircase. "Allison. We're getting your things."
That landed harder than Allison expected.
Because it made it real.
Not revenge.
Not scandal.
Not the public moment.
Leaving.
Actually leaving this house.
