I watched Liam Ricardo stride into the private dining room like he owned the place. The moment he spotted me, his expression soured, lips curling into a familiar sneer.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, voice sharp with contempt. His eyes swept over my simple black dress and blazer. "If you need the staff entrance, it's around back."
I kept my face carefully neutral, stirring my tea without looking up. "Hello to you too, Liam."
"This room is reserved for an important meeting. You need to leave." He waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a stray cat.
Before I could respond, the door opened again. Mrs. Johnson entered, leaning on her cane, with Imogen trailing behind. The years had taken their toll on the woman who'd shown me the only kindness in my childhood. She looked frailer than I remembered, her once vibrant face now lined with pain.
The moment our eyes met, her entire face transformed.
"Juliana?" Her voice trembled. "Is that really you?"
