ind. The notebook in front of me blurred, and I

letely certain about who was

me in open disbelief. Her gaze slowly traveled from head to toe, wideni

less-than-successful exam session and had al

tly made-up nose. I still couldn't understand why she had dressed up and

demanded, already digging through my wardrobe

was honestly my best option. Everything I'd brought with me was compl

will have to do. I'll stop by the salon and

he snapped, spinning sharply toward me. She looke

d firmly, getting to my feet. "Your clothes wo

lready heading for the door. "Take that horror off

eggings for something more feminine, but there was not

lance was enough to know it wouldn't fit. My waist was much slimmer than hers, while my hips were w

ar in a recent fashion collection. Snatching the soft triangle from her hands, I tied

laimed. "Nadya, I know it's a funeral, but all our acqu

my purse from the table. "Let's go

Both Darvins will be th

and the wake were over, I'd leave immediately. My studies were finished, exams passed, but I still had one unresolved issue-my economics professo

again about those two. You know Da

go," she said irritably, n

, he politely offered his hand to each of us, helping us into the car. He was new-I didn't e

to do today?" Mom asked

't seen each other in ages, so

dinner. We'll have gues

ly, then repeated lo

a mysterious smile. "By the way,

wouldn't be pleasant. Just please-not my deranged cousin and

ad be back f

ek. He misses you. You

ore years, and then I'll come bac

d hesitantly, fidgeting with her purse. She was clearly nervous, try

eer-no," I said firmly. "I only do it because

t... never mind. W

ed into the parking lot of the

randfather-just as kind and warm. He'd built an immense fortune yet remained human. Business ruins people, but it hadn't broken him. He

wo spoiled, arrogant heirs who believed thems

ge of the crowd. The funeral procession moved slowly along the path, and I walked near the end. When it stopped and peopl

ears. Mom appeared beside me just in time, placing her hands

ty-volt shock. My entire body jolted as I

they

rwin b

his gaze over me with no shame. Of all times. Their grandfather was being buried,

aside," I said, forcing my way backward thro

you want help?" she a

e car. It's too

you feel worse, ask Victor

headed towa

that moment was

rother was

ed under my breath. Maybe he felt u

my pace, weaving between rows of gravestones. At one po

ips when I ran straight into an obstacle

ou think yo