The festive atmosphere in the room made her feel out of place. She hadn’t expected that in just three years, Phoebe could have such deep ties with the Reynolds family.

All Vanessa had to cling to was Theodore’s affection for her.

But what if Theodore’s feelings for her faded? What would she do then?

After watching a few games, Vanessa mentioned she was leaving. Theodore stood up, “Let me take you home.”

Lady Reynolds frowned slightly, suggesting, “It’s late; it’s a hassle to go back and forth. Vanessa, why don’t you stay here tonight? It’s not often we see you.”

Vanessa was taken aback.

Mrs. Reynolds looked puzzledly at Lady Reynolds, “Mom, is that really appropriate? Maybe we could have the driver take her; it’s not that far.”

“We’ve got plenty of guest rooms; there’s space,” Lady Reynolds insisted. “Lucy, prepare the room across from Phoebe’s wedding suite.” With the rooms assigned, no one felt comfortable objecting. Everyone was murmuring to themselves, wondering what the matriarch intended.

It was clear to see, Vanessa still harbored feelings for Theodore. Inviting her to stay with the Reynolds family sounded like inviting trouble.

Especially placing her right across from Theodore’s marriage suite, seemed like stirring the pot.

Phoebe, clenching her hands in her lap, stood and said, “I’ll help Lucy, then. If Miss Fitzroy is to stay the night, we can’t have her discomforted.” With that, she left the game room.

Vanessa was secretly pleased, but said aloud, “Grandma, I don’t want to impose. I should just head back.”

Lady Reynolds replied, “You’ve come all this way to see me; you’re our guest. We can’t send you home in the middle of the night. Just do as you’re told.”

Any fleeting joy in Vanessa’s heart instantly vanished with the smoke. Lady Reynolds’ invitation wasn’t a gesture treating her as a prospective granddaughter-in-law, but merely as a guest.

She bit her lip, looking over at Theodore with a mix of hope and worry.

Theodore laid down his card when the old lady announced her win with a triumphant “Bingo!” She pushed her cards forward and stood up with the help of the maid, “It’s getting late, let’s wrap this up.”

Madison hooked her arm around Vanessa, bubbling with excitement. “Let’s head to your room, Vanessa. You’ve got to tell me all about the fun stuff that happened abroad!”

Pulled along by Madison, Vanessa went with her while Mrs. Reynolds hurried to catch up with Lady Reynolds, clearly confused. “Mom, can’t you see Vanessa still has feelings for Theodore? How can we let her stay the night? Phoebe will be heartbroken.”

Lady Reynolds responded, “If she’s heartbroken, she should be proactive. If she doesn’t make a move, how can she expect her rival to back down?” “But…”

Alice joined in, addressing Mrs. Reynolds with a hint of mischief, “Dear sister, mother is actually looking out for Phoebe. Yes, Miss Fitzroy comes from a reputable family, but imagine if Theodore had to take her home in the middle of the night… If sparks fly… Of course, Theodore’s character might prevent him from crossing a line, but what if?”

All women know how unreliable a man’s desire can be. If a woman is forward enough, no man can resist.

Especially a stunning beauty like Vanessa.

Mrs. Reynolds’ expression soured. “Sister-in-law better keep an eye on our brother, lest he goes around causing trouble with young ladies.”

Alice sighed internally.

Some people just can’t see the good intentions. And she couldn’t quite trust Theodore to control himself. With the woman he once loved living just across the street, he might sneak over to Vanessa’s room in the dead of night. What a spectacle that would be.