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I was still catching my breath when a soft knock came at the door. Before I could even process what was happening, a human maid slipped inside with a basin of warm water and fresh towels.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I quickly pulled the sheet up to cover myself.
Brad chuckled from the bathroom where he was washing up, apparently completely unbothered by the intrusion. “You’ll get used to it,” he called out. “This is the Rayne family estate – there are always staff ready to assist.”
The maid, a woman in her fifties with kind eyes, approached with professional discretion. “Please don’t be
embarrassed, Mrs. Rayne,” she said gently. “It’s my honor to help you.”
I shot a glare toward the bathroom. “This is so embarrassing! We’re at the family estate!”
Brad emerged from the bathroom, his amber eyes gleaming with that possessive satisfaction that always followed our intimate moments. Water droplets still clung to his chest, and I watched as his gaze traveled over me appreciatively while the maid helped me clean up.
I pulled on the fresh clothes the maid had brought, my face still flushe
“By the way,” I said carefully, “I heard your grandmother’s will give Lucas her private collection? Is Lucas really going to get all of it?”
Brad’s expression grew thoughtful as he pulled on his shirt. “He might get some money and a few antiques. But everything else?” He paused, a small smile playing at his lips. “Not necessarily.”
My eyes narrowed. “What did you do?”
“I may have had a little chess match with Grandmother he admitted, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “And I may have won a rather interesting wager
“Brad Rayne,” I said, my voice carrying a warning tone, what exactly did you bet on?”
His smile widened. “Simple. Anything Grandmother decides to give Lucas, you get first choice. Whatever you want, you keep. Lucas only gets what’s left over after you’ve made your selections.”
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Chapter 217
I stared at him in disbelief. “You literally did that?”
“I prefer to think of it as securing what’s rightfully yours as my mate,” Brad said, straightening his cuffs. “You’re carrying the next Rayne heir. You should have priority.”
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. “Mr. Rayne?” Alex’s voice came through. “The Chairwoman requests your presence, sir. Both of you.”
Brad squeezed my hand. “When we go to select items from the collection, don’t hold back. Don’t feel guilty
or embarrassed about taking what you want. Those things are just going to pass through Lucas’s hands
temporarily anyway – they’ll end up back with the main family line eventually.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “You’re being ridiculously obvious about screwing over Lucas.”
“I’m being practical,” Brad corrected. “Come on.”
He led me through the estate’s corridors to room I’d never seen before. It was like stepping into a private museum – glass cases lined the walls, filled with what were clearly priceless artifacts. Ancient silver pieces, rare crystals that seemed to glow with inner light, and artwork that looked like it belonged in international
galleries.
Elizabeth’s assistant, a thin man with nervous energy, greeted us with a deep bow. “Mrs. Rayne,” he said to
Lucas will receive whatever me, “Mrs. Elizabeth has instructed that you should make your selectio
remains.”
Brad’s hand found mine, his amber eyes warm with encouragement.
“Well then,” I said, surprising myself with how confident I sounded, “I suppose we shouldn’t keep anyone
waiting.”
I walked through the room methodically, picking up various items. Brad’s system was simple but effective – if he squeezed my hand when I touched something, it meant the piece was valuable or significant, and I should take it. If he remained neutral, I set it aside for Lucas.
By the time I finished, I’d selected an impressive array of pieces: ancient ceremonial silver, rare gemstones, several paintings that Brad’s grip indicated were worth millions, and what appeared to be a collection of historical documents that made his eyes light up with interest.
The assistant’s face had grown increasingly strained as my pile grew, while Lucas’s potential inheritance dwindled to a few decent but unremarkable pieces.
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Chapter 217
“Excellent choices, Mrs. Rayne,” the assistant said through gritted teeth. “I’ll have these prepared for transport to your residence.”
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The next morning arrived with the controlled chaos that seemed to follow any Rayne family event. Lucas’s birthday celebration was today, and as Brad’s mate, I found myself in the unfamiliar position of playing hostess alongside Victoria.
“Elle!” A cheerful voice called out, and I turned to see two figures approaching – a young man with an easy smile and a woman about my age with striking features and an immediately obvious attitude problem.
“Peter Hamilton and Calista Hamilton,” Victoria said, her tone warming slightly. “My nephew and niece.”
Peter stepped forward with genuine warmth. “So this is the famous Elle West. You’re even more impressive
than the stories suggested.”
I smiled back. “The real Peter and Calista Hamilton are far more charming than any rumors could capture.”
Peter laughed appreciatively, but Calista’s response was decidedly cooler. “How diplomatic of you,” she said, her tone making it clear she found my humanity distasteful.
Victoria seemed completely unbothered by her niece’s rudeness. “Go on inside,” she directed them. “We’ll be
along shortly.”
1
Peter gave me one more appraising look – the kind that made me think he was calculating something – before following his sister into the estate.
I wasn’t particularly concerned about the Hamilton family’s mixed reception. With Brad as my Alpha backing me up, dealing with them was the least of my worries.
The morning continued with a steady stream of arrivals and finally, it was time for the main event. Elizabeth appeared in the estate’s grand ballroom, looking every inch the matriarch in her elegant silver
gown.
She took Lucas’s hand – he looked surprisingly put–together after hours of professional grooming – and led him to the center of the room.
“Today marks Lucas’s first formal return to the Rayne family,” Elizabeth announced, her voice carrying easily through the ballroom, “as well as his twenty–fifth birthday celebration. I welcome all of you to join us in marking this significant occasion.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
