Chapter 72

Maverick's eyes lingered on Heidi for only a couple of seconds. Then, he looked away when the butler called them to dinner. Heidi ignored Maverick and stood up. She held onto Debra as they made their way to the dining room. The Cadwell's dining room was huge; there was a rosewood round table large enough to seat twenty people with ease. At gatherings like this, every seat was intentionally planned. Ronald was seated at the head of the table. To his left was the place once occupied by Maverick's father; it was left vacant every year. Following that were the spots reserved for Susan and Maverick. Heidi should be seated beside Maverick. When she reached her chair, she watched Arabella pull out the seat on Maverick's other side. That was supposed to be Susan's spot. Since Susan was absent, Arabella taking the empty chair was technically defensible, but she hitched the seat closer to Maverick until their elbows were nearly touching. Heidi kept her gaze lowered as she sat down. Ma