CHAPTER 21

NOAH 

Just to humor Aunt Juliette, I moved back into the estate. 

Jeremy was indifferent about the arrangement, and Aunt Juliette, ever the voice of reason, kept the tension down to a low. 

I spent hours in the study of Ciara's father, comparing and contrasting the effects of the relationship. Mr. Carmichael wanted us to announce the engagement in a dramatic way, maybe just do it in public during one of our fake dates. 

I was okay with that. Luke was too. My only issue was hoping that Ciara would not make a big deal out of it again.

She had been suspiciously polite though. A little salty, but cordial nonetheless. I had a feeling that it was due to the constant presence of her father, and while I was grateful for the small respite, I knew it would not last for long. 

Because Ciara's father flew out of the country today.