around Landon Sterling fell silent. All eyes tu

He forced a strained joviality. "E

ess, tightened her grip on Landon's arm, her eye

lips, but in a mock toast to Landon. Her voice was calm, but it carrie

ze sweeping over the curious faces of New Yor

ally breaking our engageme

gh the ballroom, followed by an

his fingers digging into her skin. "Are you insane?" he hissed, his

of shocked innocence. "Sister, how can you d

mirthless laugh escaped her. "A misunderstanding? Oh,

cended upon them like a hawk, her fa

oice sharp and imperious. "Whatever this is, you will discuss

uture mother-in-law to shut Elba down, to

rson being embarrassed tonight is not me. And as for which home you're referri

loving fiancé. "Elba, I know you're upset with me. I've been distant, and I'm sorry. B

a conciliatory embrace. Elba

id, her voice quiet but dripping

so calmly, struck Land

venomous whisper. "Elba Knight, I suggest you think very carefully about what you

rounding guests leaned in, shamelessly

sive. His thumb stroked the smooth surface of the sand

didn't cower. She smiled. It wa

Are you sure your family's reputation is wo

nned by this new, defiant Elba. "What i

. "I don't want anything. I just want everyone here to know that

posure finally cracking. "Elba, sto

tly sculpted eyebrow. "Perhaps you

a single, deliberate tap on t

the message and spoke into

the ballroom, which had been displaying a rota

rawn to the dark void. Landon and Eleano