lent stop. A valet in a crisp

ch light but firm, and steppe

otlights, stretched into the darkness. A string quartet played somewhere on a terrace, the

public face snapping into plac

refully calibrated mix of warmth and polite distance. To the out

s staggering. A galaxy of crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted cei

n conversation with a senator. Arthur caught

, a hand placed possessively on the small of her back. He made introductions

ngers digging gently into his arm whenever he leaned a litt

her nails and his smil

when a woman's voice, sharp and dripping

t believe they l

ze. She kne

of disapproval. Beside her, Camille's adoptive sister, Cayla, looked her up and down with op

wn. A spiteful smirk played on her lips. "Big night, sister? I thought you

for the people around them to hear. Con

face h

nt cold. "Cayla, I suggest you focus on your ow

ter?" Judith chided, though her tone held no real

. Her platinum blonde bob was so bright it was almost white. "

ou're the adopted one.

etort that would have flayed Cay

rs now. Her conduct reflects on my family, not yours

ide, a subtle, protective gestu

outh opening and closing like a

king point, a hush fell over the b

d towards the

tailored to perfection. He surveyed the room, and the sheer forc

Kellen

dismissing senators and billion

is eyes fo

. It was intense, unwavering. And in their dark, fathoml

eness that made the air