Papa! That Bad Man Hit My Mom!

ugh the ballroom like wildfire. "Is that the same fake bracelet?" "She'

eyes narrowed. "Bennett, is this woman... a friend of yours?" H

His eyes were fixed on the VIP table, then back at Jade,

ned. He took a step away from me, a clear dism

t out, Addison. You don't belong here. Take off that ridiculous fake and leave b

eave, Jade?" My voice was quiet, but it held an edge that seemed to irr

me!" she shrieked, her voice rising. "Take off that gaudy piece

he bracelet from my wrist. I reacted instinctively, slapping h

mask of malicious glee. I lost my balance, falling hard onto t

d from my lungs. My head hit the flo

into my skin, then wrenched at my wrist. The repaired bracelet snapped again, its diamo

ce contorted with fury. "And so a

shock, at the broken pieces of the bracelet, the individual diamonds scattered like shattered dreams. M

!" Jade screeched, her voice echoing through

thers simply curious. My mind was reeling, the pain in my hand

words catching in my throat,

d. "She's still at it! Still lying!" Her hand swung again, a sharp crack across m

growl deep within my soul. The shock gave way to something cold, something ancient. Enough. They had hurt me.

ghostly white. His hand reached out,

ecoiling from his

a fool of yourself?" He glanced nervously at Jade, then back at me. "If you beg, I can still help y

en myself. "Your staff quarters, Bennett? You really

the bustling ballroom. It wasn't just quiet; it was an absolute, s

ed, his grip bruising my arm. "Don't make another scene. I told you, I ended things with Jade. She's not my wife. So

adn't changed. He was still the same self-centered man, offering me

ve gasp rippled

the room.

held securely against his broa

ck faces. He moved with an almost regal grace, his presence dominating the entire room. Anthony, a miniature versio

ce bright, "can I go down? I

faces impassive, scanned the room. The atmosp

n Damon and Anthony, were wide with a dawning horror. He mumble

ned the moment they found mine. A rare, tender smile touched his lips, a private comfo

began to walk tow