Watching Frances Bennett's undisguised disdain, Damian Hawthorne's brow furrowed.
When Cecilia had been by his side, his mother had at least made an effort to restrain herself, wary of his temper. Now, she no longer bothered to hide her true feelings.
He realized that Frances Bennett had probably spoken to Cecilia in this tone many times when he wasn't around.
No wonder Cecilia had no fondness for the Hawthorne Family.
Then he thought about how Cecilia used to cook for his mother. Damian Hawthorne lowered his gaze, his heart clenching.
Before, when he didn't know Cecilia's true identity, he had just thought she was deliberately trying to curry favor. Seeing that she seemed willing, he hadn't stopped her.
But now that he knew who she really was, Damian Hawthorne felt a faint sense of guilt on top of his surprise.
She never should have had to do any of that.
