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The furniture is also in white, with various couches, chairs, and chaises set in private clusters Along one wall is a carved desk, also in white, but with gilded gold touches As I take in s and artwork on the floor stand out, giving it warmth and a homey charm

But then my attention is drawn to his family members, who are clustered in front of a fireplace with a cheery fire

Their conversation stops dead alk in, and oneabout Declan from the way their faces smooth out almost blankly

My next lesson in the Blackwood family dynamic comes when I realize the lack of joy exhibited by this fa time When we flew here, Declan told s

Hisout of a sense of politeness, breaks away froroup as Declan steersas he bends to kiss it, “Declan… it’s so good to see you”

Her voice is cultured, with a slight European accent, and she’s stunningly beautiful Her blonde hair is in a sleek chignon at the base of her neck, and her facial features are nearly perfect with a Nordic slant Her eyes are a denim blue, and she turns them my way curiously

Declan introduces me “Mother… may I present my assistant, Bailey Robbins”

Then to me, Declan says, “Miss Robbins… my mother, Helena Blackwood”

“Char me a finely boned hand I’m almost afraid to shake

“It’s an honor toa tiny bob ofme”

At that, Declan’sto me “It’s our pleasure Now, if you’ll excuseshould be ready to serve now that all the guests are here”

Interesting She refers to her son as a guest instead of as family