Chapter 88

Ashton gave Declan an approving nod, then turned to Gwendolyn. ‘I told you I’d bring my wife today. Anyone gives her trouble, they’re taking me on.’ His voice was low, but it carried. Loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. The words weren’t just meant for Gwendolyn. They were a warning shot to the entire Laurent clan. Anyone who’d been whispering behind my back a second ago suddenly remembered how to shut up. A few awkward beats passed before the party resumed its rhythm, the chatter awkward at first, then slowly picking up pace again. Ashton took my hand and led me to the enormous sofa in the centre of the room. I braced myself for the glares, the barbed questions, the sudden onset of passive-aggression. But instead, everyone smiled. Some even tried to make it look convincing, though it was obvious they were clenching their molars behind those well-practised grins. I’d thought Ashton’s (allegedly) illegitimate status would’ve put him in a precarious spot with the family, but ap