ind. The notebook in front of me blurred, and I

lready certain who was st

open disbelief. Her gaze traveled slowly from head to toe, widening eve

ess-than-successful exam session, and I had a

fectly made-up nose. I still couldn't understand why she had dressed

anded, already rifling through my wardrobe as if sh

honestly my best option. Everything I'd brought with me was completely

sses will have to do. I'll stop by the optom

, spinning sharply toward me. She looked from me to herself

id firmly, rising to my feet. "Your clothes w

already heading for the door. "Take that disaster

-shirt and leggings for something more femin

ance was enough to know it wouldn't work. My waist was much slimmer than hers, while my hips were wi

ar in a recent runway collection. Snatching the soft triangle from her hands, I tied

laimed. "Nadya, I know it's a funeral, but all our acqu

my purse from the table. "Let's go

Both Darvins will be th

ral and the reception were over, I would leave immediately. My exams were finished, my courses completed, but I still had one unresolved issue-my ec

about those two. You know Dad i

," she said irritably, nu

and politely offered his hand to each of us as we got into the car. He was new-I didn't even

to do today?" Mom asked

en each other in forever, so we dec

dinner. We'll have gues

, then repeated more f

a mysterious smile. "By the way,

wouldn't be pleasant. Please-just not my unhinged cousin and

ad be back f

ek. He misses you. You

more years, and then I'll come b

aid hesitantly, fidgeting with her purse. She was clearly nervous,

eer-no," I said firmly. "I only do it because

t... never mind. W

ed into the parking lot of the

er-just as kind, just as warm. He had built an immense fortune and somehow remained human. Business ruins people, but it hadn't broken him.

wo spoiled, arrogant heirs who believed they

of the crowd. The funeral procession moved slowly along the path, and I walked near the end. When it stopped and people

ears. Mom appeared beside me just in time, placing her hands

t me-like

s I scanned the crowd,

they

rvin b

ing his gaze over me without shame. Their grandfather was being buried, and th

aside," I said, forcing my way backward thro

you need help?" she a

ar. It's just... to

you feel worse, ask Victor

headed towa

that moment was

rother was

ed under my breath. Maybe he felt u

my pace, weaving between rows of gravestones. At one po

s when I ran straight into an obstacle

ou think yo