The Heiress and Her Secrets

a "small welcome di

their polished laughter bouncing off crystal chandeliers and mirrored w

smile unreadable. Celeste, of course, occupied the head. She toasted gracefully

ad, scanning the familiar faces. Some she recognized from her chil

roze around h

en C

ess execs. Broad-shouldered, sharp-jawed, with that same intense ga

en invited h

d," Celeste's voice

I was just admiring the guest list. You'

ught it would be nice for you to see

n Carter is many things, but c

a respected journalist now. Cleaned up nicely

nsed. "You invite

e I just wanted to remind you

ore Celeste turned her attention back to the tabl

back from her

he said to no o

ze cool against her skin. Crickets hummed softly, and the garden lights glo

tsteps b

ish during parties,

to turn. "You al

in his pockets, that ever-present

k well,"

I'd say the same, but I'd

. "You have

ded her arms. "What are

ask you t

ive

ga

e-just layered. Complicated. Too muc

ithout a wo

stories witho

ly, accepting

out at the dark hedges.

a chance to see the family again.

alway

pa

"Why are you real

walked over to a stone bench and sat, her

unfinished business

ng, watching her

"Something's not right, Damien. A

t slightly. The journalist

ink it was

"I think Celeste knows

ickened be

oser. "Then tell

d away. "

y n

st you," she said si

retched be

Then let me

is time, a crack in her m

y think you c

oat pocket and pulled out a small notepad. "You're n

ing her alone in the garden with her pulse qui

fter him, he

d come back

she was ready for th