My Daughter-In-Law Reached For My Bracelet At The Jewelry Store And Said It Was “Silly” Because I Was Treated Like A VIP.

His gaze shifted briefly to me with such perfect simulation of concerned affection that I felt my breath catch. “You didn’t realize someone would object to your manhandling her.”

Without conscious thought, I slipped into the role he’d created. Survival instinct, perhaps.

Or simple appreciation for his unexpected intervention. “Darling,” I said, my voice carrying just the right note of relieved gratitude. “I wasn’t expecting you for another hour.”

Joseph moved to my side with smooth confidence, helping me to my feet with a gentleness that contrasted sharply with his intimidating presence.

His hand at the small of my back felt steadying. Almost familiar. “Meeting ended early,” he replied, his eyes conveying a silent message.

“Play along. Lucky timing, it seems.”

Madison had gone from pale to ashen. “Mr.

Walker, I had no idea. Mrs. Cooper never mentioned.

I would never have—”

“And yet you did,” he cut her off, voice deceptively soft. “Called my wife a c***n, I believe. Questioned her worth.”

“In my experience, Ms.

Parker—”

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