Betty's POV

The meal went on, it was a battle to keep my face straight at how much of a smooth talker Ivan was. His charms were truly irresistible.

At least things played out easier than I imagined. My mum and Ivan weren't particularly fond of each other, but they were masters of keeping up appearances. She asked random harmless questions, which didn't seem to have any hidden intentions, but she was quietly testing him.

She did not trust him, considering his ...