Anne's fingers tightened slightly around Rayden's hand beneath the table. His hand was warm—steady in contrast to the chill that settled in her spine. The way Frederick Lancaster looked at her was not just scrutinizing. It was predatory. Like he was searching for a single crack in her composure to tear open.
"I don't recall seeing you at any of the charity functions," Frederick said, voice smooth like steel.
Anne offered a polite smile. "I wasn't part of that world, Sir. Until recently, my life was… very far from galas and luncheons."
Frederick raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And now you think you belong?"
Rayden's jaw ticked. "Father—"
"Don't speak for her," Frederick cut in. "If she's going to be a Lancaster, she should be able to handle a few questions without running to you."
Anne straightened slightly in her seat. "It's alright," she said softly to Rayden. Then, turning back to Frederick, her tone calm and even: "I don't expect everyone to believe in me right away. But I'm not here to impress you with words. If you allow me, I'd rather prove myself through actions."
Rio gave a low whistle and leaned back in his chair, clearly entertained.
Frederick said nothing. Just kept staring. Then slowly, he nodded once, almost imperceptibly. "We'll see."
Anne didn't miss the hint of approval—begrudging, perhaps, but real. She exhaled quietly.
"Where is Mother?" Rayden asked, redirecting the conversation.
"She's entertaining guests in the garden," Frederick said with a wave of his hand. "She'll join us soon."
The rest of the brunch passed in tense politeness. Anne kept her responses short and respectful, careful not to reveal too much but not so withdrawn as to seem evasive. Rayden barely let go of her hand the entire time.
After dessert, Eleanor made her entrance.
"Anne," she greeted with a smile too polished to be warm. "I see you made it through the gauntlet."
Anne stood. "Thank you for having me, Mrs. Lancaster."
Eleanor merely nodded before turning to her husband. "Frederick, we need to speak about the silent auction for the children's hospital."
Frederick rose without another word, leaving Anne and Rayden alone with Rio, who looked like he was thoroughly enjoying the family drama.
"I like her," Rio said once the door shut. "She's got steel in her spine. Most women would've cried under Father's gaze."
Rayden smirked. "That's why she's perfect."
Anne's cheeks flushed. She wasn't sure if that was part of the act or something more.
—
Back in the car, silence reigned for a while. Anne stared out the window, replaying every moment of the brunch. Every stare. Every word. But most of all—Rayden's hand on hers. The way he didn't let go.
"You handled him well," Rayden finally said.
"I wasn't sure I did."
"You did." A pause. "Better than most people who've tried."
Anne turned to him. "Even… her?"
Rayden didn't ask who she meant. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"She didn't last ten minutes at that table," he said flatly. "My father called off the engagement before dessert was served."
Anne blinked. So the scandal really did involve an ex-fiancée. "What happened?"
Rayden looked at her once, then back at the road. "That's not something I'm ready to talk about."
She nodded slowly. "Okay."
But it didn't stop her from wondering.
—
That evening, the penthouse was quiet again. Anne sat curled up on the sofa, a book open in her lap, though she hadn't read a single word. Rayden had retreated to his office, claiming work, but she suspected it was something else—something heavier.
When he finally emerged, his expression was unreadable.
"I have to fly to Singapore the day after tomorrow," he said, coming to stand behind the couch.
Anne turned, surprised. "For how long?"
"Three days. Maybe four. There's a conference and a dinner I can't skip."
Anne nodded slowly. "Do you want me to come with you?"
He paused, visibly caught off guard.
Then: "No. It's better if you stay. It's going to be exhausting. And… I need someone here to hold the fort."
Anne smirked. "You mean, to keep your mother from staging a coup?"
"Exactly."
They both chuckled. The moment felt strangely domestic.
"You'll be okay?" he asked after a beat, softer now.
Anne met his gaze. "I'll be fine."
Rayden hesitated, then stepped closer. "If anything happens… you call Brian. Or me. Or both."
"I will."
He nodded, and before either could say anything else, his phone buzzed. A reminder.
Rayden muttered a curse and turned away. "I have a video call. I'll be in my office."
Anne watched him disappear down the hall. She didn't know why, but her chest ached a little.
Why did she suddenly not want him to go?
—
Later that night, Anne stood on the balcony, letting the breeze brush her skin. The city sparkled below, glittering and unaware.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Hana.
Hana: [How was the brunch with the wolves? Still alive?]
Anne smiled and typed back:
Anne: [Barely. Frederick Lancaster could freeze hell.]
Hana: [But did you impress him??]
Anne: [Not sure. But I didn't cry.]
Hana: [That's basically a standing ovation.]
Anne laughed softly, then paused as another message came in.
Brian: [Just checking in. You good?]
She replied:
Anne: [Thanks, Brian. I'm okay. Just… a lot to process.]
His answer came quickly.
Brian: [You've got this. And if you ever need backup—]
A second message:
Brian: [—I look good in a tux and I know how to throw a dramatic punch.]
Anne grinned. He always knew how to lighten her mood.
She tucked the phone away and looked back at the skyline.
The Lancaster world was colder, sharper, and more dangerous than anything she'd ever known.
But for the first time, she didn't feel like running.