A POISONOUS AWARD

The following evening, Clara stood before the assessing wrought- iron gates of the Donald estate, steeling herself for the battle ahead. She cut an intimidating figure in her satiny burgundy dress and towering stilettos, every inch the power player ready to claim her due place among Beaumont's nobility. Liam cast her a reassuring regard as the gates swung open, granting them entry to the strictly manicured grounds." Just flash back what we bandied. Stay confident, do not let Donald rattle you.

" Clara gave a curt nod. She did not need his advice- she had been preparing for this moment her entire life. The woman of a fat businessman, prepped from birth to navigate Beaumont's savage social waters with cunning and grace. They were steered into a cavernous study, the walls lined with bottom- to- ceiling bookshelves and priceless vestiges. Behind an assessing mahogany office sat a tableware- haired man with cold, setting eyes. Jonathan Donald in the meat. "Ms. Robert," he said by way of gr