I stepped into the Ricardo mansion, my gaze sweeping over the grand foyer with its gleaming marble floors and crystal chandelier. Nathaniel walked beside me, his grandmother on his other arm.
"Isn't this lovely?" Mrs. Ricardo beamed at me. "Having the family all together."
Before I could respond, voices echoed from the adjacent living room—angry, raised voices that stopped abruptly as we entered.
Liam Ricardo stood near the fireplace, his face flushed with anger. Across from him was Imogen, looking distressed in a way I'd never seen before. Her perfect composure had cracked, showing the desperation underneath.
Their conversation died instantly as they caught sight of us. Liam's eyes narrowed dangerously as they landed on me.
"What is she doing here?" he demanded, pointing at me like I was something unpleasant he'd found on the bottom of his shoe.
Mrs. Ricardo's grip on my arm tightened. "Juliana is my granddaughter-in-law, Liam. She'll be staying with us for a while."
