ve place to magnificent chateaus, their exquisite veneers a testament to the money that entered this privileged area. Jeremy's face was pressed against the window beside her, his eyes w

ive appeal of a man whose touch had set flames within her ablaze with an intensity she had never known. The years had seemed to evaporate. But the hard facts of the present broke the illusion right away. Michael's look grew tougher and his features settled into a mask of inexplicable indifference as he turned away, his focus absorbed by the needs of his magnificent realm. The weight of his rejection, which felt like a physical blow, sharply brought Elizabeth back to the rejection that had once split her planet. She had come here searching for closure, a chance to firmly let the dark spirits of her past go. She was trying to reject them. But now, in Michael's apathy, she was adrift and the whirl of feelings threatening to overwhelm her sapped her will. A light tug on her sleeve startled her from sleep, and she turned to see Jeremy's worried look riveted on her. His voice tethered with honest blamelessness, he questioned, "Mom, would you say you are okay?" Elizabeth attempted to muster a comforting smile, her heart full of love for this wonderful youngster who had grown to define her universe. Mumbled, "I'm fine, darling," she brushed a wayward lock of hair from his temple. "Let's go inside and work out where we are, okay?" As they walked across the great entrance, Elizabeth couldn't get rid of the discomfort that had seized her. This place, this fortress of wealth and honor, was a world independent of anyone else's perspective, where the rules were controlled by riches and influence, and pariahs like her were simple gatecrashers, endured but never really acknowledged. But even as she battled the weight of her own instability, a glimmer of hope seized within her. She was here to assert her importance as a craftswoman and a woman who had battled like the devil to shape her own path, therefore ensuring her rightful place. Should Michael Drake choose to overlook her presence, she would not let her victory to be reduced. Elizabeth walked steadily to the registration counter, her head held high, her spine straight, The faultlessly groomed chaperon greeted her with a polished smile, her eyes flickering momentarily to the child next to Elizabeth before she returned with a practiced warmth. Her voice was velvety and she said gently, "Welcome to the Drake Luxury Resort". "How might I help you today?" Elizabeth's comments rang with a conviction she had believed lost a long time ago, and she felt a flood of pride swell inside her breast as she explained her drive. "Hello, my name is Elizabeth Parker and the summer show features me among the highlighted artists." The attendant's eyes slightly widened, a trace of recognition cross