Chapter 27 · The Pretty Little Lamb

"Smile, Alice. You’re starting to look like you’ve actually seen a ghost," Caine whispered.

His hand clamped onto the small of my back, fingers digging in with a pressure that promised bruises later.

I didn't flinch. I leaned into him, my voice a sugary poison. "I'm just overwhelmed, Caine. It's so rare to see you pretending to be a decent human being in public. It's almost convincing."

We were center stage in the Grand Ballroom. The Forbidden City’s elite circled us like sharks in silk and velvet. Chandeliers blinded me, casting a harsh light on every fake smile and hidden dagger. I could feel the eyes. The whispers. *The fallen tyrant has returned to grace.*

Caine’s grip tightened, crushing my spine. "Careful. One wrong word and I’ll remind everyone exactly why you were cast out."

"Oh, please." I tilted my head, my hair brushing his shoulder. "We both know you’re too terrified of a scandal to actually do it. Besides, who would believe you? You're the golden boy now. Me? I'm just the pretty little lamb you're keeping on a leash."

He chuckled, but his eyes stayed dead. Caine was playing the devoted fiancé perfectly, but I saw the glitch.