ough Mr. Rhodes. His face, already flushed, turned a

he police I gave it to you. That I bought it back from Aislin

tears, nodded numbly. "Yes, Dad gave it to me! It's

p of her wrist. "This is the certificate of authenticity, with the original bill of sale. It was never sold. It was stolen." She locked eyes

cers pushed through the gawking crowd. The lead office

asked, his voice cutting

lently. Mr. Rhodes stepped forward, his face

voice oozing false charm. "This is just a simple

ficer, this is no spat. This is grand larceny. The item in question

nd professional, to the terrified girl hiding behind her father. "Ms. Coral Rhodes, you

ffs, Coral's composure finally shattered. She let out a pie

Rhodes was frozen, his face ashen, his patheti

head whipped around, her tear-filled eyes finding Aisli

a slow, deliberate smile. She mou

er. A new player had j

ure strode into the ballroom, flanked by a phalanx of men in dark suits. The

eart. He saw not the man connected to his family's humiliat

Coral cease

g towards Blackburn, his face alight with a grotesque, fawn

led with a new, borrowed authority. "Take her away! U

hurt as much as this. The sight of her father, who had just promised to protect her, t

r of her lip curling in amusement. She leaned slightly

ow, satisfied hum. "Some people's loya