Chapter 85 All Bark and No Bite

The Goodwin residence stood halfway up Cresendia Hill in the western suburbs of Ardelisse. It rested against the mountain ridge, facing a natural lake enclosed within the manor's private grounds. Owning such prime land in Ardelisse required more than wealth—it required power. Madison sighed inwardly, pulling her gaze from the window and adjusting her clothes. The closer the car drew to the Goodwin residence, the more anxious she became. It wasn't her first visit there. She had already managed to offend nearly every member of the family once before, but this time felt different. Her identity wasn't the same, and neither were her intentions. Her fidgeting soon caught Sam's eye. He noticed her tugging at her sleeve, frowning for a moment before looking anxious. He could easily guess what was going through her mind. "Don't be nervous. You've got me." His deep, resonant voice filled the car. Madison turned her head instinctively and met his dark eyes. Somehow, in that instant, her