Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 279

Dominic steered the car up the long drive leading to the Raynes’ sprawling estate.

At the gates, a pair of uniformed staff appeared, one opening the car door with practiced grace while the other checked the invitation.

Cynthia stepped out, smoothing her dress before instinctively moving to Dominic’s side and slipping her arm through his.

She couldn’t help but glance beyond the gates, eyes drinking in the spectacle within.

The Raynes had truly spared no expense for this engagement party—every inch of the grounds was dressed to impress, from the sculpted hedges to the cascades of fresh blooms arching over the entrance. Even the floral arrangements at the gate hinted at the care and extravagance inside.

A tightness gripped her chest. She worried Juliet would see all this and feel crushed.

Dominic handed their invitation to the attendant. The moment the man recognized him, he forwent any inspection and bowed his head respectfully.

“This way, Mr. Holloway.”

Dominic nodded, his gaze flicking to Cynthia. Noticing her eyes lingering on the crowd, he said quietly, “Your sister won’t be here so soon.”

Only then did Cynthia pull her gaze away, murmuring, “Honestly, I hope she decides not to come at all.”

Better to spare herself the heartbreak.

Dominic’s eyes cut to her, his tone steady and deep. “The Tremaines have been out of the social spotlight for years. You really think she’d pass up a chance like this?”

He paused. “Your sister knows better than anyone how to pull the Tremaines out of trouble—fast.”

Cynthia’s fingers tightened on his arm. She looked up at him, startled. He knew.

If he understood all that, why bring her here?

A nervous flutter stirred inside her, and she found herself gripping his arm even harder.

“I…”

She opened her mouth to explain, but the words felt feeble and hollow. What was there to say? She *was* using him—using his sudden interest to drag the Tremaines back into the world that had shunned them.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify