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“IDON’T UNDERSTANDwhy we have to bring Serenity with us,” Melanie muttered as she and her daughter walked past the black lacquered doors held open by a pair of uniformed men, Serenity trailing behind them quietly.

A mysterious smile played on Shane’s lips. “I promise, Mother, I have my reasons, and they’re reasons you’ll love.” Curling an arm around Melanie’s, she led her mother into the room reserved for the VIP guests of the House of Ivy, which was touted as one of Amsterdam’s best high-end fashion boutiques.

Melanie’s eyes widened imperceptibly when she realized where they were heading. “You know I can’t afford this,” she hissed under her breath. While her services as a party stylist was very much in demand by Dutch society, the fees she earned could in no way pay for a House of Ivy original. Vogue had recently featured the fashion house, and Melanie had been stunned to find the new label was charging five-digit prices for a single piece.

But her daughter only patted her hand. “That won’t be a problem, darling, because...” She paused for effect as the tinted, motion-sensor glass doors in front of them slid open, revealing a tall, blond man waiting for them, immaculately dressed in a charcoal gray suit and hand-sewn Italian leather shoes.

Melanie released a tinkling laugh. “Oh, it’s Willem again.” She shot her daughter a look of approval before moving forward to exchange air kisses with the billionaire.Oh, to have this deliciously rich man as a son-in-law, she thought dreamily. Her problems would be solved forever!

Serenity felt faint, unable to fathom how she had found herself once again in the billionaire’s company. Dazedly, she tried to recall what Shane’s exact words had been.The entire family had been invited to a private fashion event, and they all had to attend because she didn’t want to be bothered to make up excuses about Serenity’s absence.

Was that true, she wondered dizzily. But if it wasn’t, why would Shane lie?

Even as her thoughts continued to run wild, Serenity fought to stay calm and keep her gaze on the black-and-white patterns of the boutique’s velvet-flocked wallpaper. It was ornate and elegant at the same time, and she tried to distract herself, counting the swirls in her mind as Melanie and Shane exchanged pleasantries with the billionaire.

But only a few seconds had passed before she heard her sister calling her name, and Serenity knew she had no choice.

Stepping forward, she took a deep breath and slowly raised her gaze to meet Willem’s—-

An image – a memory – flashed in her mind.

Willem cupping her face...

Willem’s mouth lowering to hers...

Willem’s tongue thrusting in and out of her mouth...

Her cheeks flamed in color, just as the billionaire smiled politely at her, murmuring, “It’s nice to see you again, Serenity.” But the way his blue eyes gleamed mockingly at her told Serenity that he knew exactly what she was feeling right now.

Melanie frowned at her. “You look feverish. Please tell me you’re not coming down with the flu or something.”

Serenity shook her head. “No, ma—-” She caught Melanie’s look of warning and hastily corrected herself, “Melanie.” Her stepmother, without ever saying a word, had always made it clear that she expected Serenity to maintain the pretense of their family being close-knit in front of others.

She looked back at Willem just in time to see her sister claim his hand. Shane’s eyes were bright, and her cheeks were flushed with pleasure as she told them in a ringing voice, “I have an announcement to make.”



















Chapter Five