Dicker

declaration, a reclamation. The sapphire gown, heavy and rich, felt like armor. My heels clicked softly

d, replaced by a mask of utter shock. Devin' s eyes, which had been darting nervously,

ny gasp from somewhere in th

to her stomach, a possessive gesture that only intensified the cold rage w

whispers erupted again, louder now, filled with bewilderment and awe. "Who

her expression regal and unyielding. Her mere presence commanded respect, a

posure, pushed Devin forward. "Devin!

ammered, "Haley? What...

eceived an invitation," I said, my voice clear and steady, carrying effortlessly across the

ative witch! You're trying to ruin my birthday!

y closer. He turned to me, trying to regain his composure.

e for the true heiress of the Dickerson family to attend

ugh the crowd. Devin's face went whi

ed, his voice cracking. "The Dickersons own

Indeed. And as the matriarch of the Dickerson family, I find it quite appropriate for m

ally overpowering her anger. "This is ins

on name. Everyone in New York society did. He knew the power. An

"Oh, please. Don't listen to her. She's just a bitter ex. Probably still heartbroken that Devin chose Ka

othing about my current situation is pathetic. But yours, on the other hand? A s

forward, her voice rising in a theatrical wail. "She's trying to frame me! She's trying to rui

the sort! We have security footage proving Karly's malicious actions, in

Arlena. "Security footag

hilling smile playing on her lips. "My team secured it. E

e swayed, clutching Devin's arm.

a lie that you planted your grandmother's brooch to frame me? Is it a lie th

with terror. "How... how did

reading through me. "I know about your mother, Huldah. I know about the baby sw

of abject horror. "The car... accident

unwavering. "One that ensured I would lose my baby. One that ensured

ck, disgust, and dawning horror. He saw the genuine terr

d, his voice barely audible. He pushed Karly a

crazy!" Karly shrieked, despe

nymore. The façade had cracked

t through the horrified silen

th a stern, imposing presence, stood at the top of the s

with desperate hope. "Grandfather, she's trying

er the scene. He looked at Karly, then at Devin, then at me, and fi

, his voice surprisingly so

dded, her expres

ep frown lines appearing on his forehead. "K

she's accusing me of terrible things! She's saying I swa

then at me. His eyes, though old, were sharp.

rlena?" he asked

Laughlin. Ask her why she switched my daughter with hers. Ask h

d disbelief. Mr. McLaughlin's face turned ashen. Karly screamed, a gu

proper introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my daughter, Haley Dickers

cy the only thing holding her up. Devin stared at me, his eyes filled with a dawning terror, a terr