Chapter 82

Victoria POV

The moment Marianne Washington stepped into the hall, her eyes found me first. It was almost as if she couldn't help herself.

A slow, wicked smirk spread across my lips as I watched her struggle to keep her composure. I could see it—the flicker of annoyance in her expression, the effort it took not to grit her teeth and spit curses at me.

"Marianne... you came," I said smoothly, plucking a glass of champagne from a passing steward's tray.

"You piece of trash," she hissed under her breath, her voice sharp and biting.

"Ah--ah," I chided softly, lifting the glass to my lips. "Careful now. You're in my territory. I'd hate to have the guards escort you out."

Her lips curled into a bitter sneer. "Is this why you invited us? To show off your new