ntertops, gold-plated fixtures, and the faint scent of expensive potpourri. She went to the sink, turned the brass ha

hitting the wall with a loud bang. The sharp, arrogant

lian's niece stalked up behind her, arms crossed,

cat dragged in. You have some nerve showing your face here. Grandp

ts deliberate and unhurried. She tossed

. "Are you deaf? Or just stupid?" She took a ste

eight just enough. Tiffany's hand, with its blood-red nails, s

anger. "A gold-digging nobody from Montana. You think that ring on yo

counter. She looked at Tiffany, her expression unreadable,

in New York," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial, venomous whisper. She leaned in close. "She's the one Julian

ierce Ellie's armor. The placid calm in her eyes insta

cold, and utterly contemptuous. The sound echoed off the marb

any demanded, taking an

t, to crackle with an energy that Tiffany had never seen before. The me

You talk about money, but you're the one who maxed out three credit cards last month to the tune of three mi

face. Her jaw dropped. "How...

awn. A stupid, spoiled child being used by a smarter player. Carmella doesn't see you as

ial, but the words wouldn't come. Ellie's gaze w

ur master." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper that was more terrifying than a shout. "Because if you ever come at me again, I will persona

blow. Tiffany's legs gave out. She slumped against the tiled wall, s

duced a bottle of hand sanitizer and meticulously c

t, dismissive glance, then turned and walked out

confrontation, but he hadn't needed to. He had heard every word. Not through the door, but in his head. He'd heard Elli

fying, newfound respect. The woman walking toward him, her face once agai