tanding in the doorway and went

Elliotts downstairs still stood frozen, u

ertain. "Did she really say that? Di

years ago, but the whole city knows how obsessed she is with Brendan. I w

as a thought crossed his min

er had already become obvious to him. "This ac

was the

Gemma showed earlier

. When their eyes shifted toward the staircase s

gernails pressed hard into her palms.

ding," he said through clenched teeth. "Prime would be hosting a party tomorrow

er. The entire upper circle of Olnstead will attend. More importantly, that legenda

ble on his face. "Our family only receiv

door. "Gemma has no one to blame but herself. Missi

.

nto her bed when her phone

top floor of Prime. We're holding a welcome bac

Gemma's brows. Events like t

m. The thought behind the arrangement mattered. Af

Gemma walked downstairs w

ssed formally and preparing to head out. Casual conversation had filled the room moments

ss and stared at her with a frown. "Where d

lking as though he

a mocking tone. "You caused that disaster yesterday and s

hinking about your future. You should stay home for a few days and reflect on your

l. "After bringing embarrassment to this fami

stairs. You will stay there until the Edwards family

eant only one thing. She was preparing to do someth

ever she tried to win Brendan back. She

empt, Gemma raised her eyes. Her express

y of you," she said in a s

lliott name. When you humiliate yourself, you humiliate this family." His tone hardened as h

e," she said gently. "Tonight isn't the right time for this. Mom, Dad, and the Edwards family are doing this for your own good. Tonight's party is a welcome bac

reacted for t

ighwell's strongest female warrior, the ace commander of the Dominion, the

use Sallie met someone connected to Death while she was overseas. Otherwise,

sweet of you to say, Robert. I was simply f

"Why are you even explaining any of this to her? Someone like her will never be part of that world. We're leaving no

ma to turn around and

ched the door an

ehead. She turned slightly, allowing half of her face to

" she

trace of smug confidence vani

the rest. "I'm goin

a sudden weight. Silence followed. Sh

ipped from her hand and struc