notorious for his insatiable appetite for high-society gossip. Blessed with a refreshingly uncomplicated family background,

lub, surrounded by the low hum of power and old money. "She's throwing a tantrum." He placed the glass down with a co

the velvet couch, raised a perfectly sculpted eyeb

et's make a bet. I say a week. My vintag

thout hesitation, his eyes glinti

brick building with no doorman. She dragge

more than a single room. It was

washed over her that she hadn't fd more imelt in years: peace.

read: Zoe Sterling-Julian's sister,

party," Zoe's voice crackled, a welcome storm of warmth and

he genuine concern,

ght. You are not hiding away and letting him think you're heartbr

The woman looking back was a stranger. Pale, subdued, e

bottom was a dress she hadn't worn in y

the bathroom sink, she gathered her long hair in one hand and, without a second's hesitation

lips a bold, u

nt woman stared back. Her eyes weren't sad anymore.

ubstitute was dead. Th

alked out to Zoe's sleek black

ed. "Julian is going to

r moved to stop them, his expression dismi

k Sterling family card. "Ri

, the atmosphere shifted. Ever

wasn't a plus-one. S