Chapter 76

Claire's POV Elowen walked into the room like someone who had spent years learning how to scare people just by looking elegant. She was tall and thin, with brown hair pulled back perfectly. Her face was sharp but pretty, reminding me right away of Lucius. "Mrs. Winter, it's been so long." I greeted her first. "Claire," she said with a smile that didn't look real. "How nice to finally meet you again." "Mrs. Winter," I replied carefully. "This is surprising." "Please, call me Elowen. We're family now, right?" She put her expensive purse down on the couch and came toward me, staring at my stomach. "May I?" This time felt strange. I remembered when we'd met before, she had been disgusted by me and full of hostility. This time, she actually seemed somewhat friendly? Before I could answer, her hand was already on my belly. I got tense, trying not to step away. "Active little one," she said as the baby kicked against her hand. "Strong, like his father." I forced a tight smile, confused by her