d guests. All eyes on Clara and the strang

e bright lights, he looked nothing like a bartender. His suit was bespoke. Th

down. It didn't matter.

. Low. Steady. "Do you un

ep. "I understand perfectly. You provide the sha

hand on Clara's arm. Suspicious eyes as he loo

diate problem." Dimitri's tone was even. Respec

She looked at her father. Begging him to trust he

ter's eyes-the same resolve that had just

aping like a fish. "Mr. Peterson, if you please. We

from the ballroom. Mr. Peterson jolted into action by a sh

Braden shrieked, his voice fading as he w

ocus was entirely on the

was warm. His grip firm and reassuring. Strange. Unwelcom

. The guests parted befo

ling. When he reached the question, both Clara an

t had been present for this wedding was

nd and wife." Mr. Peterson

iss. Just a soft, brief kiss on he

lawyer stepped forward from the wings. A f

angle of his hand. He wrote "Dimitri Vance." An old family name on his mother's side. Obscure enoug

Vance. Meant nothing to

deal was sealed. The chaotic

adrenaline that had fueled her for weeks van

e. Steadying her. "My car is out

e. Dimitri addressed them with polite but unshakeable

hundreds of staring eyes. She gave her parent

f the hotel's grand entrance. A sleek black Bentley

ece that didn't fit. How could a ba

"I forgot to ask," he said. A hint of a smile in

slid into the plush leather seat. The car pulled away. Left the wr