all. Jada Wray was standing in the center of the room. Jada held a white lace handkerchief pressed

rced its way into Irena's mind. It was a memory o

ht, uncomfortable fabric of an outdated borrowed dress scratching her skin. She remembered hiding behin

He was surrounded by politicians and we

ter. She watched the waiter pour a colorless, potent sedative into a glass of sweet fruit wine. She

as pale. Two large security guards escorted him out

counted the minutes. Then, she slipped past the se

yes were closed. His tie was pulled loose.

walked toward him. She grabbed the collar of her own dress and rip

e door b

tning in the dark room. A crowd of reporters and socialites pushed

his face. He looked at Irena. His eyes were comple

e capital. But the plan worked. Eleanor Barton forced Evertt to marry her to stop the s

ment. She looked at Jada. Compared to the brutal, life-or-death trap the o

er heels hit the marble steps with a sha

When she saw Irena's cold, beautiful face, Jada's eyes w

a small, six-year-old girl forward. This wa

as shrill and loud. "Why did you break Peggy'

stood against the walls, holding their breath. They w

Jada. She did not look at the angry mother. Instead, she bent her k

soft but carried a heavy weight. "W

small hands shook. She looke

to block Irena. "Do not speak t

c of her sleeve. She looked Jada directly in

learly, making sure every servant heard her. "Especially since I was lying in my bed w

r cheeks. Her mouth opened, but no sound cam

a lie, the heavy front door

e a heavy wool coat. His presence instantly sucked all the air out of t