led out in front of the Waldorf Astoria. The flashbulbs of t
orward and pulled
his custom leather shoes hit the pavement, the shouting of the press died down into a confus
He turned back to the car
rasted sharply against his bare skin. She stepped out of the car, th
ee seconds. Then, the flashbul
, the pigeon-blood rubies catching the light and throwing red sparks across
ltz. Evan stood near the center ice sculpture, a glass of cham
double doors of the
guests turn their heads. The music seemed t
ndeliers bathed them in a harsh, brilliant light. The crow
ss shattered against the marble floor, the liquid splashing onto her
head, a condescending smile on his face,
van's face so fast he looked like a corps
rubies. Then, his eyes locked onto Adeline's han
stomach. His fingers spasmed. He dropped his arm
llowed Evan's gaze. When she saw the rubies around Adelin
d their heads as Cade passed. Cade offered nothing but cold nods, his eye
two feet in f
, devastating curve of her re
oice a tight, venomous hiss. "What are you d
m her arm down to her waist. He pulled her flush against his
and dead. "Watch your tone when yo
he surrounding guests gasped. Whispers
oat. He pointed a shaking finger at Adeline. "Cade, she is a fraud!
al laugh. He looked at Eva
s voice carried across the silent room. "She is with me. Do you
tured. He had convinced himself she was starving in the streets, and instead, sh
d. "I am the one connected to the Stafford
e kept his eyes on Evan and let
slapped. She shrank back, terrifie
ached out and tapped the rim against Evan's frozen gl
in the wreckage of his own pride, and l
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