Chapter 4

I could deal with Rosalind's constant digs, but insulting my family was crossing a line.

Rosalind held her reddening cheek, tears slipping down her face.

Orlando's gaze turned cold. "Wren, that was uncalled for."

I met his eyes, feeling that same, dull ache of disappointment. Arguing was pointless; he'd always backed her. By now, I should've known better.

But my dad wasn't about to stay quiet.

"Orlando Reid," he said sharply, "who's your girlfriend here—her or my daughter? When Wren came home for her mom's funeral, she made excuses for you, said you were 'too busy.' I knew she was covering up for you. And I was right.

"All these years, not a word about marriage. Guess I get it now—you had someone else all along.

"Sure, your family are rich, but Wren was raised with respect. She's not here to be treated like this. If you're bold enough to defend your little fling in front of me, what do you do to my daughter when no one's around?"

He looked at us both, firm. "Consider this over.