Elle’s POV
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“I know I can handle more responsibility, Lucas’s confidence clearly misplaced. “I mean, how hard can it be? Brad makes it look easy.”
Brad finally looked up from his plate, those amber eyes fixing on his half–brother with an expression I recognized all too well.
*Really?” Brad’s voice was deceptively casual. “And what position exactly were you thinking of taking in the main company? Chief Operating Officer? President? Or perhaps you’d prefer to start as Chairman of the Board?”
Lucas blinked, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “What… what do you mean, Brad?”
I pressed my napkin to my lips, trying to hide my smile.
Brad’s smile was razor–sharp. “The main company operates globally, Lucas. Everyone there is elite talent.” He paused, letting that sink in.
“I’m sure you understand what I’m implying.”
Lucas’s face turned an unflattering shade of red. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head as he grasped for some way to save
face.
“Well, what about her?” Lucas pointed directly at me, his voice rising with indignation. “She doesn’t know anything either! How come she
gets to go to the main company?”
The accusation hung in the air like a challenge. I felt every eye at the table turn to me, but Brad’s reaction was immediate.
“Elle, Brad said with a sardonic smile, “graduated from one of the country’s top universities with honors. She earned her position at
Rayne Group through a competitive application process, beating out hundreds of other candidates based purely on merit.”
I appreciated Brad’s defense, but I could see the damage was already done. Mira’s face had gone pale as she watched Lucas fumble so
spectacularly. I caught her looking at him with what could only be described as buyer’s remorse.
The rest of dinner passed in uncomfortable silence.
The next morning came too soon. Victoria had arranged for us to visit the Hamilton family estate, and despite my reservations about
spending time with people who clearly saw me as an interloper, I knew this was part of my responsibilities now.
“The Hamilton family is very important to us,” Victoria explained as our car pulled through the estate gates. “They’re my birth family, and
they’ve been significant allies to the Raynes for generations.”
I nodded, adjusting my coat around my growing belly. “I understand. I’ll do my best to represent the family well.”
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Chapter 227
Em sure you will, Victoria replied, but there was something in her tone that suggested she was still reserving judgment.
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As our cat came to a stop in front of the impressive Hamilton mansion, I could see several figures waiting by the entrance. The Hamilton
family had clearly gone to considerable effort for our visit.
*Mrs. Rayne!” A distinguished older man stepped forward as Victoria’s wheelchair was brought around. “And this must be Elle. Welcome to
our home.”
Mr. Hamilton’s greeting was warm, and his wife immediately moved to my side with genuine concern.
“My dear, look at you! Pregnant and still making social calls. Peter!” She called to a tall, dark–haired man who stepped forward with what
looked like a prepared coat. “Bring that wrap I had prepared for our guest.”
“Thank you so much,” I said, smiling as Peter approached with the garment. “But really, I’m not that delicate.”
Peter approached with a coat, his movements careful and his eyes avoiding direct contact with mine. After our conversation at the
birthday party, and Calista’s explosive reaction, the atmosphere between us was decidedly awkward.
“Thank you, Peter,” I said politely as he draped the coat around my shoulders. “That’s very thoughtful.”
“Can’t be too careful, he murmured, his voice strained.
Calista appeared beside him, and the temperature seemed to drop another ten degrees. Her cold eyes fixed on me with barely concealed
hostility.
“Elle,” she said, the title dripping with sarcasm. “How… lovely to see you again.”
I kept my expression neutral despite the venom in her voice. “Hello, Calista. Thank you for having us.”
“Perhaps we should head inside,” Mr. Hamilton suggested, his observant gaze moving between his son and me. “Peter, would you mind
pushing Mrs. Rayne’s chair?”
As we moved toward the house, I became increasingly aware of Peter’s attention. He was trying to be subtle about it, but I caught him glancing in my direction every few seconds. Mrs. Hamilton kept up a steady stream of conversation, asking about my health and the baby,
which I appreciated as a distraction.
“You have such a lovely complexion,” Mrs. Hamilton was saying. “And your figure, even while pregnant – you carry yourself with such grace. You certainly don’t seem like someone from a modest background.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to that backhanded compliment, so I simply smiled and thanked her.
“She really does have excellent posture,” Peter added from behind us, and I heard a sharp intake of breath from Calista.
“Peter,” Calista said through gritted teeth, “I think I need some air. This is all so… overwhelming.”
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Victoria turned to look at the young woman with raised eyebrows. “Whatever’s the matter, dear? You seem upset.
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“It’s nothing,” Peter said quickly, but his eyes darted nervously to me. “Calista’s just been cooped up too long. Haven’t you, Calista?”
“That’s not it at all!” Calista burst out, her composure finally cracking. “It’s because Peter has been acting weird ever since he heard Elle was coming! He’s been excited like… like something, and he completely ignored me!”
The silence that followed was deafening. Peters face went through several shades of red as he first looked at me with obvious
embarrassment, then shot a furious glare at his sister.
I felt my own cheeks burning. This was exactly the kind of situation I’d been hoping to avoid.
“Calista…” Mrs. Hamilton’s voice carried a warning, and she glanced at me with something that might have been sympathy or concern.
“You know,” Victoria said smoothly, taking control of the situation, Peter is simply being a good host. As the eldest son, it’s his responsibility to ensure our family feels welcome. I think it’s admirable that he takes his duties so seriously.”
Calista’s face twisted with something that looked dangerously close to hatred, but she bit back whatever shed been about to say.
Peter seized on the lifeline Victoria had thrown him. “Exactly. It’s my job to make sure she feels comfortable here. He turned to Calista with a stern expression “And Calista. That’s completely inappropriate?
Calista stomped her foot in frustration but didn’t say another word
Mr. Hamilton had been watching this entire exchange with the patience of someone who d clearly dealt with family drama before. Now he
simply gestured toward the house
“Shall we head inside? I believe the staff has prepared refreshments.”
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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.
