Luckily, we’re seated with a few of Richard’s work colleagues for dinner. They are more than happy to talk about golf and the stock market. Our conversation is boring as fuck, but at least I don’t want to punch their teeth in.

After dinner, everyone is having a drink and mingling. Again. I underestimated how much time rich people spend drinking and talking.

I’m keeping a close eye on Elizabeth, but I’m too annoyed at her meek demeanor to stay tied to her hip. Instead, I’m hovering by the bar. I’ve got to be sober enough to drive us home, but a drink or two is about the only thing that’s going to help me finish this evening without losing my shit on one of these posh assholes. A Cruella-de-Vil-looking woman approaches me as I nurse my second whiskey.

She holds out her hand with an, “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”

I’m not sure if she’s expecting me to shake it or kiss it.

“Claire Wilde. And you are?”

“Austin Jacobs. Elizabeth’s boyfriend.” I give her hand a firm shake before dropping it. I’m polite, but not friendly. Claire doesn’t seem to notice.

“Elizabeth’s boyfriend? Is that so?” Her pursed lips and questioning eyes tell me she’s unconvinced.

This bitch would definitely make a coat out of puppies.

“Yes. That is so.” I’ve introduced myself as Elizabeth’s boyfriend about a dozen times tonight. I’m getting pretty comfortable with the title. Having Cruella here challenge it annoys the fuck out of me. It’s not that she thinks Elizabeth is too good for me—that I’d understand.

Just look at this fucking mansion.

She casts a judgmental gaze across the room at Elizabeth, eyeing her with a slight shake of her head. She doesn’t believe Elizabeth could have a boyfriend. These people are the reason Elizabeth can’t see her own worth. I catch Elizabeth’s eye. She gives me a nervous smile.

I hate this version of her, the quiet, timid little girl, letting herself get pushed around. I miss that feisty streak in her that challenges me when I push too hard.

Cruella puts a manicured hand on my forearm, dragging my attention away from Elizabeth.

“Well, then, as her favorite aunt, let me say thank you.”

“Thank you for what exactly, Claire?” I ask, a little lost.

“For being with our little Beth, of course. It’s really quite sweet of you,” she answers as if it were some great sacrifice on my part.

Is she thanking me for dating Elizabeth? This woman’s unbelievable.

“She’s always been such an odd thing,” Cruella says with a tinge of disgust in her voice. “Sweet enough, but so very shy and quiet. Rather eccentric.”