led out in front of the Waldorf Astoria. The flashbulbs of t

orward and pulled

his custom leather shoes hit the pavement, the shouting of the press died down into a confus

He turned back to the car

rasted sharply against his bare skin. She stepped out of the car, th

ee seconds. Then, the flashbul

, the pigeon-blood rubies catching the light and throwing red sparks across

ltz. Evan stood near the center ice sculpture, a glass of cham

double doors of the

guests turn their heads. The music seemed t

ndeliers bathed them in a harsh, brilliant light. The crow

ss shattered against the marble floor, the liquid splashing onto her

head, a condescending smile on his face,

van's face so fast he looked like a corps

rubies. Then, his eyes locked onto Adeline's han

stomach. His fingers spasmed. He dropped his arm

llowed Evan's gaze. When she saw the rubies around Adelin

d their heads as Cade passed. Cade offered nothing but cold nods, his eye

two feet in f

, devastating curve of her re

oice a tight, venomous hiss. "What are you d

m her arm down to her waist. He pulled her flush against his

and dead. "Watch your tone when yo

he surrounding guests gasped. Whispers

oat. He pointed a shaking finger at Adeline. "Cade, she is a fraud!

al laugh. He looked at Eva

s voice carried across the silent room. "She is with me. Do you

tured. He had convinced himself she was starving in the streets, and instead, sh

d. "I am the one connected to the Stafford

e kept his eyes on Evan and let

slapped. She shrank back, terrifie

ached out and tapped the rim against Evan's frozen gl

in the wreckage of his own pride, and l