hospital, Gemma hailed a cab and gave th

ter tonight, the very thought of facing him again filled her with disgust

walked to the door, and knocked. When the door swung

her, raised his hand an

er what you've done, you st

ma shifted back half a step a

led across he

cern about what had really happened and no interest in t

absu

she once abandoned everything

ce seemed pointl

hemselves on her... I never imagined you would become someone like this." Gemma's mother, Averie

hers, were visibly trembling with anger. They wante

until we decide how to deal with this. Leave before we allow it,

augh esca

once believed were worth

ment. After enduring humiliation and contempt again and again, ev

en. I never sent them after Sallie. She was the one behind it. If

ng when Sallie suddenly cut in

"This whole thing is my fault. If I hadn't gone to that bar, none of t

me. I'm the one who caused it. If someone needs

e, you don't owe anyone an apolo

. Sallie is even taking the fall for you, and you still refuse

ance unfold again, she stepped closer. "Oh?" she said with clear mockery. "

t warning, G

harp front kick that struck Sa

burst fro

all strength vanished at onc

g at the entranc

lie stared up at Ge

er looked like the timid Gem

rily. "Sallie already stepped aside and le

always meant to be together. If Sallie hadn't left the country because she ca

ort and sharp. Her eyes

liott family needed someone to take her place, you pushed it onto me." H

e, you can just take him. The two of you-a scheming bitch and a shameless jerk-are perfectly suited

d the air around t

ily stared at Gemma. Shock

lly heard he

he same woman who had on

than a hundred yards of shattered glass to reach him. Blood had follo

oman was the one de