estate. The gates were wide open. Dozens of photographers and social media journ

e notes app. She took a slow, shallow breath to keep her stomach from cra

99. She did not add a

r seat between them. He picked it up and glanced a

tossed the phone back onto the seat. "What

not look at him. She stared straight ahead at the approaching mansion. Her si

uniform rushed forward and pulled Julio's door open. The freezing wind rushed

his face instantly. He smiled, waved at the cameras,

. For a fraction of a second, the hair on the back of her neck stood up. She glanced toward the dark line of tall hedges bordering the driveway. A tall, broad-shouldered silhouette stood perfe

pulling her hard against his hip. The sudden, violent jerk made Amanda's stomach roll. Acid bur

ight to the side. Julio's fingers tight

teeth, keeping his face turned towa

r facial muscles felt like stiff plastic. She

tly. The air was thick with the smell of expensive champagne, roasted meats, and heavy

reached for Amanda's. Rosa's eyes flicked to Amanda's pale face. A brie

, sharp black evening gown. It was severe and uninviting, a stark con

massive crystal chandelier hung from the ce

the biggest real estate empires in New York. The youngest part

a custom white gown that looked suspiciously like a wedding dress. Meredith was introducing B

. Her parents were parading their adopted daughter in front of the city's elite, trying to secure a massive alliance.

a curse under his breath. He hated when the Ro

g crystal glasses. They were Julio's investors. The

st. He stepped forward, laughing at a joke one of th

the edge of the room, near a long buffet table. She picked up a glass of

om. Billie was smiling, soaking up the atte

hampagne-colored s

quickly. She kept her head down. Amanda recognized the slope of her sh

sharp clack. She did not hesitate. She picked up the heavy skirt of her blac