rling ballroom my stepfather Richard had

was older, but it had tha

ulptures and the flowing champagne, all for a gi

beside her, looking like he'

edge of the crowd

ide and innocent, scanned the room, landing on in

the grateful, overwhelmed gi

oftened. Richard tapp

ed, his voice booming slightly

roprietary ar

e Chloe, a truly remarkable young woman. But it seems

I felt a pric

tantly. She dabbed at them

rne," she whispered, loud enough

e are your family now. Ethan told me what happened. That you' ve be

sob. Ethan glared into

id, his voice tight with anger. "Someone who' s alway

ay my name. Every he

d. "I am shocked. Truly. To think you wou

oe, who now looked

gize to Chloe.

logize for something

the quick belief. I was the rich, spoiled Sterling hei

." I also knew Richard was a glorified manager in a minor division, and Ethan, well, Ethan was just Rich

et but clear. "Or are we just goi

if my question wa

h!" Ethan snapped.

p towards me,

an, no, please. It' s okay. I

me, a tiny, triumphant glint be

uieter alcove, Chloe found me. The pa

ce no longer trembling, but cool and sharp. "Etha

all, unpleasant

being the princess

is girl, who wore ambiti

hat you're dealing

nk I do. I'm dealing with the future Mr. and Mrs.

wasn' t so actively trying to ruin my life. She thought Richar