And sure enough, Celia pauses in her stride and a scowl forms on her face as she registers there is something between Aaliya and me. Her expression hardens by several degrees as she keeps marching forward, her eyes locked on me. She approaches me with her arms open wide. I have no choice but to release Aaliya as Celia envelopes me with both her arms and plants a kiss on my cheek.

“I was so excited when Gellar told me you were in residence,” she gushes. “What a lovely surprise! I didn’t expect to find you here.”

I draw Aaliya to my side again. “And I didn’t expect you here.”

Celia ignores my sarcasm and turns her attention to Aaliya. “Miss Singh, the Indian girl, right?”

Aaliya bristles next to me, but she gives a slight nod.

Celia tilts her head at her. “I hope our staff at Heaven’s Gate is looking after you, Miss Singh.”

And before Aaliya or I can say a word, Celia turns to Gellar who is waiting at the library door and starts giving him instructions. “Please ask the servants to put my luggage in my usual room and inform Mrs. Wells I’ll be joining His Grace and our guest for dinner.”

She turns to us and spreads her hands. “Why don’t we retire to the family room for some wine? We have some excellent vintage in the cellars. I know exactly what I’m in the mood for.”

“Actually, Celia, we’re all set for dinner,” I tell her, linking my hand with Aaliya’s. “So, feel free to join us now or you can take dinner by yourself later. It’s your choice.”

Aaliya squeezes my hand in understanding while Celia gives me a venomous look. I don’t care for her reaction. All my sympathy for her flew out the window after she tried to seduce me in her house.

Her coming to Heaven’s Gate on the same day I decided to bring Aaliya here is quite suspicious and right now, my anger is spiking as Celia pretends to be the mistress of this house when she isn’t. She would have been once, but that ship sailed when my brother died. She will never be the mistress of Heaven’s Gate. Not while I’m alive. And she needs to learn that soon.

I lead the way with Aaliya by my side without waiting to see if Celia follows, but she does anyway. I help Aaliya to the place by my right and take a seat at the head of the table while Celia sits to my left with a scowl. I signal for the food to be served while I pour the wine for all of us.

“So, Miss Singh,” Celia addresses Aaliya after I fill her glass. “Did you have a chance to explore the lands around Heaven’s Gate? I highly recommend a picnic by the lake. It’s beautiful.”