Lisa froze.
There was something about the way Lady Montclair smiled — like a chess master who'd already moved all her pieces hours ago.
They were seated alone now, the rest of the room gently buzzing in the background with chatter and polite laughter. But the space around Lisa suddenly felt… tight.
"You've been different lately," Lady Montclair began, voice honey-sweet but sharp underneath.
Lisa tilted her head, playing innocent. "Different? Must be the new skincare routine."
"Hmm," the woman murmured, stirring her tea without drinking it. "It's just… Selène always knew when to stay silent. You, however, seem rather fond of… theatrics."
Lisa smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Maybe theatrics are what this family needs."
A pause.
Lady Montclair's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"Your father and I arranged this union to secure generations of prosperity. You understand the importance of that, don't you?"
Lisa nodded slowly. "Of course. Power, wealth, legacy."
"Then I trust you'll remember your role. And not... improvise."
There it was.
A threat dressed as etiquette.
Lisa leaned back slightly, resting her elbow on the armrest, matching the woman's poise.
"Funny. I thought this family valued initiative."
"It values obedience," Lady Montclair said, voice clipped.
Their eyes locked.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," she added, standing with a grace that had been trained, not inherited. "Your fiancé seems… distracted tonight. You might want to remind him what's at stake."
Lisa watched her go.
Behind her, Cassian had returned, leaning near a doorway, talking to someone Lisa couldn't fully see. A flash of blonde hair — the woman from the office?
Lisa's stomach tightened.
Not with jealousy.
With the unsettling realization that Selène's story was far more complicated than a simple arranged marriage.
She stood slowly.
If she was going to survive this world — this family — she couldn't just act like Selène.
She'd have to be better.
Sharper. Smarter. Unpredictable.
"You want a legacy?" she muttered under her breath.
"Then you better get used to a new kind of Montclair."
She fixed her posture, raised her chin, and stepped into the light of the corridor — just as Cassian turned to see her.
And for a second...
He actually smiled.
Just a little.
But Lisa didn't miss it.