The room seemed to grow colder.
Sera stiffened, but Valerie lifted her hand slightly a silent signal to remain still.
Valerie smiled.
Not a false smile. Nor a challenging one.
But the composed smile of a woman who had been demeaned too often to be startled by it.
"Lady Kosler," Valerie said politely, "if you came here solely to insult me, I suggest you reconsider."
Ivanka raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such composure. "You have no right to speak to me that way."
Valerie rose slowly from her chair.
"That is true," she said softly. "I have no claim to many things."
She met Ivanka's gaze directly.
"But there is one matter that needs to be clarified."
Ivanka folded her arms, a thin smile curving her lips. "Oh?"
"You are the Duke's fiancée," Valerie continued. "Not the mistress of this residence."
Ivanka let out a small laugh."And who do you think you are?"
Valerie did not smile this time. Her voice remained gentle, but unmistakably clear.
