Chapter 35

“Enough.” Richard’s face darkened as he yanked the nearly hysterical Lillian back. “Lillian, what the hell were you thinking?”

He never had much affection for Cassandra, but that didn’t mean he’d blindly defend his wife. Especially when this whole mess could’ve blown up and dragged the Taylor family name through the mud.

“I… it’s not like that, just hear me out.” Lillian’s eyes darted uncomfortably before she started explaining in a slow drawl. “I heard just before the party that the original violinist got injured. Then someone mentioned Cassie was pretty good with the violin, so I… I recommended her to the organizer. That’s it.”

Richard’s frown eased a little. He looked less pissed now.

“Oh, really? So you recommended me, and they were totally on board—then why’d you secretly shove two million at them and make sure no one else found out? No one knew I could play, and how did you? Don’t tell me—it was just so I’d embarrass myself in front of everyone, huh?”