Chapter 30

Anna really didn't waste Julian's hunch about her scheming—she got him good. In her version of the story, Julian became a lovesick puppy who crossed the line into creep territory, clinging on and finally getting the girl by being shameless and swooping in when she was vulnerable. Wrapping up the tale, she leaned sweetly on Julian's arm, grinning ear to ear. "At first, I wasn't sure about him, but in the end, it was his persistence and feelings that won me over. I think we're doing great now, so you don't have to worry about us at all." The old servant nearby looked completely stunned, shooting Julian a glance that was suddenly laced with doubt. He used to think the young master was all cold and reserved—turns out, looks can be seriously misleading. Julian's face darkened slightly, but he couldn't really argue. Meanwhile, Anna seemed to be having the time of her life reenacting her fantasy, totally unable to stop herself. She kept exaggerating all the details, and even tilted her head t