Chapter 28: Ambrose

"Don't play coy with me, Selena. Who is that man? And why are you flaunting him like some... some trophy?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Since when do you care about who I associate with? I don't recall you ever questioning my decisions before."

Lucien's expression darkened. "This isn't about your reputation. It's about the family. You've already caused enough of a stir with your antics tonight. Do you have any idea how this looks?"

That was all he cared about... About his reputation...

Selena clenched her fists, her irritation simmering. Lucien's weak protests, the suffocating judgment from the ballroom's vultures, and now the sight of Clara at the centre of attention were all exhausting. Yet, instead of letting it consume her, she straightened her back and marched away, leaving Lucien rooted in place.

The words she'd spat at her brother still hung in the air like a sharp blade.