tylist had dressed her in a floor-length gown of deep crimson velvet that clung to her curves like a second skin. Her hair was swept u

, was a necklace and matching earrings of fiery rubies and diamonds. Armor for the battle

stepped out of the car, a hush fell over the guests nearest the entrance. Heads turned. Whispers followed her like the train of her gown as she walke

ly a mask of jovial hospitality, contorted into a snarl of

ssed, his voice low and venomous

e said, her voice carrying just enough for those nearby

llary, a vision in a frothy pink dress. When Hillary saw Chloe, her perfectly painted smile froze on her face. Her dress, so

hloe's arm in a display of sisterly affection. "Chlo

Were you?" she asked, her voice sweet as poison. "I tho

ace. Behind her, her mother, Annet

red. He was losing control, and he knew it. "That's enoug

entire party was now watchi

cutting through the silence. "What's embarrassing about a daughter r

barrassing for a girl to live in a house owned by the woman whose blood saved her life, spend the m

whispers erupted into a roar of scandalized mu

led in her eyes as she turned a pa

e of guilt and annoyance. "Chloe, stop it.

ut that severed the last thread of her old affec

g with manufactured concern. "Everyone, please

her off. "And I've decided I need to be more involved in managing my

ke a physical blow. Paul's jaw dropped. A

o such thing!"

document. She let it fall open on a nearby table. It was a copy of the property deed. T

e said softly, "it

gne from a passing tray. She raised it in

a triumphant smile. "My dear sister. My dear stepmo

ir perfect party, she turned and walked calmly towa