atmosphere, killed the track. The silence that followed was heavier

ing, a puddle forming

ening in theatrical shock. "Oh my god," she said, her voice carrying clearly across th

ved through the crowd.

e. She looked at Javen, pleading silently.

er. For a split second, Araminta thought he was co

der from her hands. He looked at the smear of r

oice low and venomous. "You ruin everyt

h opening and closing. "I... I g

r son, her posture rigid. She turned to the crowd, her face transf

"We have a wonderful surprise. Tonight, we celebrate the union of two great families. I am

erupted i

of clapping was like physical blows. "Engagement?" she wh

aminta, look at yourself. Look at the reality. Doyle Industrie

Javen's. She rested her head on his shoulde

raminta choked out. "I

delines. It was a bark of a laugh. "That bankrupt name? You hav

et in. They swarmed forward, cameras

cene," he said smoothly. "Miss Donaldson has been struggling with her mental health for some time. My family h

nged for the microphone, desperat

y hands clamped onto her arms, twisting them be

she shrieked

calm her down for the cameras. His

depends on a steady supply of some very expensive, very specific medication, doesn't

of her body instantly. Griffin. Her little

s. "See? She's calming down. Please, take Mis

her backward. Her heels s

t, her voice shrill. "That's a Persia

since childhood. People she had dined with. They looked awa

down the hall to the servants' wing and shoved her into a

her knees as th

lock clicked with a finalit

was

door, pounding on i

le

he pulled her knees to her chest, shivering viole

d out. The estate had signal j

pp, which had cached

DESTITUTE SOCIALITE ATT

were alread

dig

yc

like a d

with tears. She wiped them away aggressively, smearing

he line. He had thr

cage. Her fingers closed around a small, cold object. It was

til the metal edge

hispered to the empty room.