in front of the grand, illumina

door open and stepped

ngth black couture gown she had bor

embellishments. N

ng to her curves and fell to t

lack fabric made her look like a d

er cold, sharp expression and immediatel

tos sinking slightly into the plush re

er thick, embossed invitation card to

s eyes widening slightly in recognition of the gossip

the blinding ligh

vibrant colors, pastel gowns,

ontrast of her funeral-black dress dr

s died out.

inging to Ryder's arm, laughin

over, and the laugh

ulterated jealousy tw

't even lo

d straight toward the marble bar

sweetheart,

e broke through the

rion Cole, Ryder's moth

her in a tight, genuine hug, completely ignoring her

father, walked up r

ch and offered Audie a

m. He spoke to Audie like an equal. "I was hoping you'd be here. Tell me, what'

aightened

reet persona, breaking down the market

impressed, occasionally aski

to-be to talk finance with the adopted sister sent

oke out lik

d her hands into fists so tight she crus

ously whispered somethin

ell's fac

and marched aggressively across

he small circle, slapping a f

terrupted loudly. "I see you

e to Audie, looking her up a

ment party?" Eleanor tsked loudly. "

didn't

leanor a cool

rk, Eleanor," Audie said smoothly. "It nev

ely agree. Audie looks incredibly elegan

hed a deep, ugly sh

ostility. "Excuse us, Eleanor. I need to

, leaving Eleanor sta

stantly dropped f

opping to a venomous hiss. "Do no

down at her a

s, Eleanor?" Au

no sound came out. She spun