My 21st Birthday: Day Of Reckoning

eyes burning with a humilia

shoulder, a picture

d, loud enough for everyone to

ted, my gaze unwavering. "Tha

back. "You ca

tly. "Or would you pref

ate, a new voice cut

's name is g

My older

fury. He always hated it when I was the

! On your own birthday! Can' t

rs digging in. "Apologize to

arm, then into his eyes,

us," I said, my voi

"You' ll do as I say. I

ent," a deep voice boomed

iam Thompson

arted like

ike chips of blue ice fixed on Marcus. My mother, Eleanor,

e resonating with controlled an

if it burned him. His f

was just

rthday?" Father cut him off. "You were disrespe

l red from my slap. "And you, Mr. Hayes

d. "Senator, it was

on at Sterling & Finch, a firm with Thompson ties? Con

punched. Sterling & Finch was

e. Her tears had dried, re

is quite clear." He gestured to the blue dress. "You will return Ms. Thompson' s property. Then you wi

, built entirely on her association

al Thompson men, mat

n my shoulder. "Are

ne warmth spreading through me

s gaze sweeping over the

isrespect and envy tonight," he announced, his voice firm. "Let it b

be suspended for six months, Marcus. And your access to the family

otent rage. He knew better than t

"Now, my dear. Let us

lively tune. The party, after a shocked pause, bega

a ghost in my blue dress

pects demolished, his engagement t

cold satisfaction s

only the