Anne caught the meaning behind Gabriel's words immediately. She had once looked up to him, respected him as a capable leader and a steady figure in the Beaumont family. But now, that polished exterior no longer fooled her. Beneath the calm tone and refined manners was a calculating, cold man who only cared about control and image.
"Family?" A dry laugh escaped her lips. "That's rich, coming from you. You never once treated Augustine like family. You ignored him, dismissed him—and now suddenly, we are all 'family' when it suits your agenda."
Gabriel's face hardened.
Anne met his gaze, unflinching. "Do you even know what Denis did to me? He sent me to negotiate a deal with Mr. Lee. He knew exactly what kind of man Mr. Lee was. And still, he sent me alone."
Gabriel's posture stiffened.
"I was nearly raped that night," she said, each word like a blade. "Augustine got there just in time and rescued me. Denis had all set to ruin me completely."
The silence between them was heavy.
