the townhouse foyer, she felt like a

typing furiously on a laptop. As soon

ropping her keys on the desk. "A

und her wrist where Bryce had grabbed her. H

was all

cream envelope

dinner in

raphy was elegant. The Dalto

said, reading the date. "It's toni

mother forwarded it to me via courier an hour ago. She wants me to go and embarrass myself so

we look weak,"

cise

turing to her suitcase. "My clothes are...

ed smoothly. He pressed a button under his desk. He

. "Legally, they belong to the Trust, so I can't sell them to pay

black vintage Chanel gown. It was time

The Plaza Ho

flashes wer

ad rented a Lincoln again-and unfolded Ju

ad pulled her hair back into a severe bun, wearing no jewelry

ulian onto t

ursed Son" and the "Runaway Bride.

gold dress from the new season. It looked cheap next to Stella's

appro

ile tight and fake. "I thought yo

h open contempt. "Nice whe

earby giggle

He looked up at Bryce,

Julian drawled. "Who do y

e laughter from the crowd. Br

ep forward, stumbling slightly on her

ist flick. The liquid arched through the

to dodge, and spinning the chair with perfect

w his weight awkwardly to the side. The wheelchair lurched

xedo jacket, soaking the shoulder, i

g the handles to steady the

ruffled but composed. His eyes wer

ying over the sudden silence. "Send the

hen at Stella. His voice sof

whispered. "Y

" Julian muttere

a. She stepped out fro

said, her voice cutting through the roo

eelchair. "Let's go, darling. The

The crowd parted, maki

ony. Julian looked up at her. There was

e claws,

lla replied, her hands still s

in his wet pocket. He

idental enough. You just dec

n smi