Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Lia couldn't keep down the iced tea she had gulped while getting dressed. The situation she had so desperately tried to avoid was unfolding before her. She wished her eyes were mistaken—that the man sitting next to Marilyn Selby wasn't Claude. However, her hopes were shattered with the clink of his teacup hitting the saucer.

"What a sight, Camellius," Claude said, raking a hand through his hair. "You. Dressed as a woman."

Lia saw herself reflected in his sapphire eyes. "I apologize, my lord," she said with a sigh. "I'm sure it's quite an eyesore." She forced a smile and walked toward them in confidence. His face hardened even more, but he made no further comments.

It was far more mortifying than what she had imagined, especially with Marilyn Selby's scrutinizing glare.

"I'm embarrassed to stand like this before a beautiful woman such as yourself, Lady Marilyn," said Lia, hoping to lighten the mood.