Chapter 49: Matricide

Mrs. Astor turned as the two of them stood close together in the doorway. She smiled.

"So good of you to join us," she said. "I was beginning to think you were just going to lurk in the hall all day."

She stalked towards them, giving Sonia a once over. "Sonia, dear, I would have much less of a problem with you if you stood to inherit anything. As it stands, Arabella has already had two eligible offers and I simply cannot allow her to risk our empire for something as frivolous as feelings."

She looked at Lavinia. "You, on the other hand, were never an option. Though, I cannot exactly blame you for this whole affair. It's Isaac's weakness that led you here. He should have taken care of you when he had the chance."

"Which time?" Cyril asked with a smirk. "When she was kept in his pantry or after you gave the order to kill her?"

He vaulted over the couch, coming to sit on the armrest. He crossed his legs and leaned forward. It was impossible to deny his beauty. Every detail in