of white ceiling and ornate crown molding. She was in a bed, the sheets

est room at the

ing Elissa's forehead with a damp cloth. The house

rs. Adler explained, her voice quiet. "They us

stomach, a fresh wave of panic washing over her. She felt a profound, bone-deep relief when sh

r know?" she whispered

voided Elissa's gaze. "The master didn't return to the esta

cou

e closed her eyes. It was her twenty-fourth bi

stood there, immaculate in a navy blue

m with a chilling energy. "I hope you're satisfied with your little drama," he s

She looked at him, at his handsome, cruel face. "Do you kno

s. He glanced at his expensive watch. "I don't have tim

sing the door behind hi

her arms laden with shopping bags from Bergdorf's. She took one lo

ing Elissa in a fierce hug. "No. We are not letting him win. It's y

a into a hot shower, then laid out a stunning,

to paint your face, and we are going to go out and remind you tha

e rich color bringing a flush to her cheeks. Paige's skillful makeup had erased the dark circles under her

g empowering anthems. Their destination was Le Bernardin, one o

of quiet conversations and the gentle clinking of silverware. He seate

hampagne. "To you, Liss," she said, raising her gla

hed her glass to Paige's. For a moment, watchi

the restaurant's ent

face. The blood in he

oking radiant in a silver gown, was Adriane. They were laughing, whisperi

them not to a simple table, but to the large, central VIP

d, her hand tightening around her glass. She slammed it down o

he room and landed directly on Elissa. Her eyes wide

eyes cut through the crowd

simmering anger. The air between their tables