the invitation for a long time before adding it to the calendar. Anothe

amond earrings Harris had given her after his first suspicious late night.

ographing her jewelry for a consignment dealer. He had no idea his mother had signed away ten billion dollars to keep his secrets buried. He

r hand on Harris's arm, her expression a flawless mask of wifely devotion. She

inting with private amusement. She could feel their judgment. They saw her as Harris had trained them to see her: the pretty

parking her at a secluded table. "I

charming, powerful heir. She sipped her

vate alcove on her way to the restro

ing pretty tame tonight. Y

rative piece. What is she without the Byrd

waited for Harr

"Women. They throw their little tantrums. She'll

ice echoed in her mind: You need a public scene. Something undeniabl

a passing waiter's tray. The li

the alcove. Th

glass to Todd. "You're right. With

, eyes cold. "So this is a toa

cked he

across Harris's white tuxedo. Red liquid dripp

ce. Drip,

hot to his feet, grabbed her arm with bruta

me? You and your

ned. Whispers erupted. The perfect couple was i

to the car and

the city lights blur. Her arm throbbed where h

ss was evidence. Every bruise was ammunition. He had

as working