Chapter 8: Silk Ribbons and Rivalries

I didn’t want to bother with her, but Tanya closed the distance.

"Sis, newlywed and already looking so pale? Husband off at war got you lonely at night?"

"You’re reading into things."

She thought I was upset from the party gossip, but honestly, I was just about to get my period and felt weak.

She leaned in, dropping her voice. "He’ll be gone at least a year. I have two estates and can get you a few strong, handsome servants to keep you entertained…"

"Save them for yourself."

Some people tie their own noose with silk ribbons. She could play the show-off now, but once she got tangled in the Foster family’s dirty business, she’d be lucky to keep her life, let alone her freedom.

"Why act so pure?" She giggled behind her hand. "My husband and I spend every night together. Don’t tell me you’re not jealous."

I just stared at her, unimpressed.

Her mother was from a brothel, and Tanya loved sneaking steamy romance novels from her mother’s room.

Mrs. Franklin didn’t mind—she even encouraged it, slipping more books into Tanya’s drawer.

Tanya couldn’t read the classics, but she memorized every scandalous story. Now, she was living them out.

"I’m not jealous. I’m leaving—don’t follow me." I slid into the car as soon as it rolled up.

Tanya stomped her foot, fuming under the porch lights. "Let’s see how long you can keep up the act!"

If Mrs. Lee hadn’t fallen ill, and if this weren’t the first time a high official sent an invitation, I wouldn’t have bothered with this party at all.

I had bigger things to handle.

The car’s cool leather seats soothed me as we pulled away. I glanced back once—Tanya was still glaring. I let the gentle hum of the engine wash away her voice.