Can’t Win Me Back

Silas remained silent.

Rose couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart aching with an intensity that made her wish for it to cease beating altogether.

No one would be able to accept her, even someone as understanding and perceptive as Silas.

After an agonizing stretch of tense silence, Rose summoned the strength to plaster a strained smile on her face.

“Yes, I am the illegitimate daughter, the product of George’s affair. Our family is a complete mess, our drama both entertaining and scandalous!”

She turned her attention to Jamie, her voice tinged with defiance. “Jamie, you’re on the verge of marrying into the Dalton family, aren’t you? When I meet my new brother-in-law, rest assured I’ll enlighten him about the Emerson family’s true colors. Perhaps then, we can find common ground.”

Lydia and Jamie were left dumbfounded by Rose’s audacity. With each forced laugh, their fury only intensified.

Rose had made everything worse!

daughter you seldom acknowledge?” Rose’s tone dripped with sarcasm

about to become engaged. Your father expects you to

sorry, but my schedule is fully booked for the next few months. I simply don’t have the

Rose. “Rose, are you going

matter. Even if the president

Jamie was livid. “You!”

you take me

with a mixture of disdain and

dare to ask

disrespectful wretch! You’ve crossed

was unable to contain her rage any longer. With eyes reddened with fury, she raised her arm intending to deliver a slap

sharp gust of wind suddenly sliced through the air. Then, a sharp, echoing smack

pain, her forehead glistening

sound of something shattering echoed through the room as a cup fell