Chapter 21
Clara Bennett Victor’s voice sliced through the quiet garden like a knife, and my stomach dropped straight to the floor. I felt Ryder’s hand slide from my cheek to my lower back, steady and protective, as he turned fully toward the newcomers. “Good evening,” Ryder said smoothly, extending his hand with that natural confidence he carried everywhere. “I’m Ryder West. Any friend of Clara’s is welcome here.” Victor shook his hand firmly, his smile never reaching his eyes. “Victor Sinclair. Pleasure to meet you. Clara and I go way back, don’t we, darling?” The word “darling” made my skin crawl. I forced a tight smile, stepping slightly closer to Ryder without thinking. Amelia stood beside Victor in her fire-red dress, her eyes burning holes into me as she clutched Victor’s arm tighter. “Cl
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