*Riding South spoilers below*
Trapped inside Tenney House and at the mercy of his father, Camilla and South are forced to face their greatest fears in order to bring down the Gentleman's Network--an organization that trades in secrets.
But in order...
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I looked just like a bride-to-be.
A strapless white dress with gold sequins stitched in a floral pattern. Strappy, three-inch heels. My long hair curled and swept over one shoulder.
Agatha had seen to every detail, making sure I represented the Tenney name perfectly.
I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, twirling. I was hard to believe tonight was our engagement party. Ever since I'd met South Tenney, my life had been a whirlwind.
The bedroom door opened, and I grinned even wider, thinking it was South, only to find his mother walking elegantly towards me. I was more than surprised to see her again.
She had been staring at me all day at brunch. Watching me like she was waiting for something to happen, and appearing disappointed every time nothing did.
I wondered if she knew this engagement was arranged. Or, if she sensed, as I did, that despite it being forced into marriage, South and I had grown used to the idea.
Turning to face my future mother-in-law, I bowed my head in respect, just like Agatha taught me. Ji Woo gave me a stern grin. "I have one last gift for you, Camilla."
"Another gift?" I blurted out. There had been gift after gift showered on me during our spouse's brunch this morning. "That isn't necessary, Ji Woo. You've already done so much."
"This is a special gift. From me."
Ji Woo turned back towards the bedroom door, and my gaze followed hers until I found Lieutenant Fitzpatrick.
He had dressed in khaki pants and a navy blue sports coat that set off his bright blue eyes, and he was looking at me like my dress had wings attached to it.
"Connor, bring me the locket."
My smile faltered as Connor walked slowly inside the room and opened the jewelry box for Ji Woo. She carefully removed a thin gold chain with a jeweled locket attached.
"Leave us," Ji Woo told Connor, who closed the box and backed up a pace. Before he took his leave, he gave me another long look before exiting the bedroom.
Once he was gone, I blew out an angry breath.
As I was learning to express my emotions, I found being furious was much easier to maintain than being hurt.
Agatha was a shadow at my side. "Remember, a lady wears grace as armor."
"That's correct," Ji Woo said, easing the necklace around my neck and fixing the clasp. "And she wears intention like a blade." She set one hand on my shoulder, and the other on Agatha's. "Sharpen your intention well, daughter."
I stared back at Ji Woo, wondering what she was implying. Did she know more about her husband than I initially thought? If she did, why was she still with him?
