from a distance. He caught my eye and gave a sub

ntered, standing by the windo

ithout turning. "Are you

randpa.

xpected for you. Not

replied. "The expected path did

p. "You're sure you're not ju

h Carter is intelligent, capable, and from what I understand, his grandfather, General Carter, holds him

ults. But General Carter is a man of integrity. If he vouches for Noah, then Noah has

killed in the line of duty. Left Noah an orphan. The General raised

overlooked relative; he had a powerful, respected guardian wi

y. "And I'll arrange for you to meet Noah properly.

elief washed over me. H

gala was the event of the New York social season. It was also w

via, watching the guest

ia B

he attention. But it wasn't her presence that made

g a single, flawless, cornflower-blue sapphire, su

er's ne

sed down through generations of Winston women. My mother had worn it on her wedding day. Aft

Bell was

ugh me. I excused myself from Oliv

necklace?" I demanded, m

g on her lips. "Oh, this old thing?" she simp

around her. "She admired it

ng despite my efforts to control it. "It belongs to the Win

erything is obtainable, for the righ

fixed on him. "You stole a family

le? How dare you! Ethan would never! H

ed, lunging for the neckla

stumbled back. Eth

ff her, Emily! Yo

ed, tears blurring my vision. The pain

e, it happened. The delicate chain snapped. The sapphire pendant, my mother's le

le

tive gasp from

ect, irreplaceable blue

for the broken pieces, oblivious to the stares,