door behind them, shutting

s crossed over her chest. A defensive posture.

around her own neck. It was a magnificent sapphire, surro

, intending to place it a

vely pulled back

voice thick with emotion. "It's passed down to the

worth more than the Hill's entire

ey's legs and sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry...

at her feet chipped away at the ice

r feet. "It's too soon for this," she said,

eful smile. She pressed the heavy necklace into K

, she heard a faint sound from the h

he door. A shadow flickered th

Eavesdr

just enough to be heard through the door. "The design i

into one of pure indulgence. "Of course, darling. We can have it rese

privilege, was meant to be comforting.

She didn't need a laptop or cameras. She replayed the sounds in her mind: the specific weight of Clare's footstep, the whisper of Thai silk against the

ng in the hallway. Kelsey opened her eyes, a dangerous glint in them. She had expected

aid, who brought in a stunning, floor-

wing kit she always carried in her backpac

s, transformed the elegant gown. The long, flowing skirt becam

e sapphire necklace from the drawer, dropping

ost, broken girl from the Hill mansion was gone.

airs announced that

r heels clicked like gunshots on the polished mar

itying smile on her face. The smile froze,