d skin. She had slipped into a simple black silk dress from her travel wardrobe, reapplied her lipstick with a steady hand, and stared at her reflection until the w

he eye, effectively distracting from any marks that mig

se of the Oscar after-party hit her like a physical wave-clinking glasses,

us director stopped her, praising her business acenuity. She smiled, a perfect, practice

la

cluster of agents, her face flushed with panic. Paige grabbed Blair's arm, her grip sur

anted, pulling out her phone. "It h

. The headline blared in bold, red letters: Oscar Winner's New

n a dimly lit corner backstage, Alexis had his hands framing Kiana's face. Their lips

aid, her voice tight. "The server

looked at Kiana. She looked at the curve of her sister's smile, the deliber

aige said, her voice trembling. "Everyone is saying Alexis left

. No flush of embarrassment. Her focus n

aughter of the Glover fam

ion of war from inside her own house. Alexis hadn't just

asked, handing the

e replied, glancing over her shoulder. "They'r

She didn't cry. Instead, a slow, chilling smile spread acro

e velvet wrapped around steel. "I was ju

stunned. "Clean hou

lair said, her tone dropping to a freezing pi

ture was immaculate, her stride confident. She looked like a woman

raising his glass. "To your success

the crystal ringing clear. "Success a

ssing the dark undertone

s and Kiana were holding court near the bar, flashes going off in their fac

Blair's across the crowded room. A slow, taunting smile spread across

sister's gaze, her own expressio

sage to the head of security: Ensure Mr. Ashley is escorte

away, and took a sip of her champagne. She turned and walked toward the opposite