bChapter /bb231 /b

    Elissa had no idea how news traveled so fast to the old woman.

    Still, she didn’t rush to confirm anything. Her gaze lowered. “What are you getting at?”

    Paige could read her face well enough–close enough to the truth, no

    doubt.

    A smile spread across Paige’s lips. “That’s perfect, then.”

    “Perfect for what?”

    Matriarch Paige Murphy shot the driver a look, signaling him to start the car, then turned back to Elissa with an almost cheerful tone. “You’re still young, and it’s hard for you to judge which men are worth a lifetime. This time, I’ll make the decision for you.”

    “I have no intention of getting married again. Not for now.”

    From the moment she’d decided on divorce, Elissa had known this day woulde. She just hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon.

    Matriarch Paige Murphy let out a cold, dismissiveugh. “You don’t get a say in this. After years of living off the Murphy family, don’t you think it’s time you gave something back?”

    Elissa clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. “And who exactly are you nning to marry me off to?”

    “The fourth son of the Crest family. Impable character, excellent background–you should count yourself lucky.”

    For once, Paige allowed herself a genuine smile. “I’ve arranged a dinner with their family tonight at The Assembly. We’ll settle everything then.”

    Elissa almostughed out loud.

    Impable character? The only thing remarkable about him was hisck of any. If sins had a face, he’d be the portrait–worse even than te, with a reputation so filthy you’d feel unclean just ncing his way.

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    b16:48 /b

    Excellent background? Maybe the Crest family had some standing in Vistapeak City, but the fourth son certainly didn’t. His mother had been a prostitute who’d forced herself into the family after giving birth to him, refusing to leave. The legitimate Mrs. Crest had tolerated her in public, but behind closed doors had set a fire that turned her to ash.

    The fourth son survived by a stroke of terrible luck, but not without consequences–his face was ruined.

    Clearly, Matriarch Murphy had worked overtime to find the worst possible match for Elissa, probably losing sleepbing through every eligible bachelor just tond on this disaster.

    It was almost impressive.

    Elissa gave up any pretense at being the dutiful, obedient girl. She pulled her lips into a thin line and spoke inly, “Absolutely not.”

    “I told you,” Paige’s face hardened, her tone brooking no argument, “this isn’t your choice to make.”

    Three years ago, the girl had moved too quickly, and Frank had insisted on marrying her–Paige had been forced to allow Elissa into the Atwater family, letting her enjoy a few years offort. Now that they were divorcing, Paige wasn’t about to let this chance slip through her fingers.

    Elissa’sshes, lowered in submission, suddenly lifted. Her eyes were clear and bright, her voice steady. “I’m not divorced.”

    She was gambling–gambling that Carm hadn’t yet told Frank, and that Frank himself hadn’t made up his mind to leave her.

    “What did you say?” Matriarch Paige Murphy’s disbelief was immediate. “Don’t y games with me. Someone already told me-”

    Marcia wouldn’t dare lie to her. But Elissa’s mouth? Truth was never its strong suit.

    Elissa replied, “Divorce is between Frank and me. You’re just going to believe what someone else says?”

    Paige’s eyes narrowed. “You know what happens to people who try to fool

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    me.”

    “I’ve always known,” Elissa answered, voice calm as water, betraying not a hint of fear. “If you don’t believe me, iyou /ican call Frank yourself.”

    Truth or lie, either way, she had nothing to lose. So why not lie?

    Paige studied her suspiciously, weighing her options, then gave Butler Murphy a look.

    He understood at once and ced a call, putting the phone ion /ispeaker.

    After a moment, Frank’s steady voice came through the line. “Who is this?”

    “Mr. Atwater,” Butler Murphy began, “this is the Murphy Manor butler. Our matriarch would like a word with you.”

    He handed the phone to Paige.

    Her itone /iwas noticeably gentler now, even tinged with a smile. “Frank, Elissa is with me right now. Why don’t iyou /ie by the house this evening and take her home?”

    Paige was no fool. She wouldn’t risk everything by bluntly asking, “Are you divorced?”

    bChapter /bb23/b