He held my hand the entire way to Greenwich, and let go only to shift his grip to help me leave the car in front of the modern version of the medieval fortress–the Wintons‘ mansion. 

“I‘m nervous... I don‘t know what to say to them. They will ask about us, right?” I squeezed Aren‘s hand, hoping for the last words of comfort. 

“Tell the truth.” He smirked. “It‘s the best way to hide any lie. The more truth they hear, the lower they‘ll lower their guards.” 

We walked inside, greeted by the servant ladies at the door, before meeting with Augustus Winton, Aren‘s father, and Vanessa. I inwardly sighed in relief when I noticed there was no Callan around. Nonetheless, I merely expected him to show up later. All the men were dressed in well–tailored black tuxedos, while Vanessa was wearing a slightly shimmering white–silver gown. The view made me wonder if it was a family dinner or a show of wealth and power. There were no hugs and kisses but brief, polite nods, and half–smiles while greeting us, which made me feel more like I was about to enter a business meeting. 

“So, Cora, how did you and Aren meet?” Vanessa asked as soon as we sat down at the table. 

“We met in a café in Midtown Manhattan,” I replied, before taking a sip of wine. 

She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Really? Were you working somewhere nearby?” 

I chuckled and glanced at Aren before answering, “I worked at that café.” “What?!” Vanessa exclaimed, her tone mixing disbelief and disdain. 

Aren glared at his stepmother and gently placed his hand on top of mine “I saw her there and wanted to make her mine. I couldn‘t care less what kind of job she does,” he said curtly 

Aren‘s father interrupted, clearing his throat. “And do you still work at that cafe, Coral” 

“No, I actually started working for Lan Diamond Corporation,” I claimed proudly, 

sound was coming from the threshold of the dining room. As I turned toward the source, I saw Callan entering the room and taking the seat right in front of

work for a big company, but I‘ve never expected you to fuck my brother just to achieve that.”

only one. Aren straightened up in his seat, looking like a predator

shifting between him and Aren. “Apologize to your brother‘s

Aren‘s father looked at the old man

indiscreetly checking Aren‘s

he quickly turned it into a cold smirk. “I apologize, future sister–in–law.”

try to insult my Cora, nothing will save you“-he glanced disdainfully at the old man–“not even a poorly played outrage that forced you to say this half–assed apology.” “Callan and Aren, stop this fight. This was supposed to be a family dinner.” James

eyes to me. “And how do you know

to be my precious girlfriend when I studied at Oxford, Mom,” Callan replied before I could. “Of

Aren?” Vanessa‘s

landed on Vanessa. “Your son was an idiot for not taking care of Cora properly. But perhaps I should thank him. If it wasn‘t for him being a sickening bastard, I wouldn‘t have this amazing gem by my side.” Aren smirked. Callan punched the table with his fist. “Don‘t provoke me, brother. You don‘t

bellowed. “Callan! If you cannot behave like a civilized

please Aren. He couldn‘t care less about the meaning of Callan‘s words. He only wanted to stop the

talking with Aren about business,

getting up from his seat and

sigh of relief. 11 would be wonderful if he could just stay out of my sight the entire time we were there, but I didn‘t think that was possible Vanessa seemned clearly displeased with Augustus scolding her son. I noticed her prodding James‘s shoulder, hoping that he would speak for their son, but James stayed silent. I could see the disapproval on his face, yet he didn‘t dare stand up to the old man. Augustus Winton was the head of the family, the one in charge of

out Aren themselves, and then they blamed him

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