into an unreadable, polite mask. But Bailey had caught it. She had seen the sligh

to move, breaking

, perfectly hollow smil

re to meet you. I've h

dence of a woman meeting her siste

alm warm against her cool fingers. There was no dramatic spark, just the suffocating weight of a three-

rd her sister. "Congratulations, J

ordin shifted uncomfortably, sensing the

enge in Bailey's posture. "Bailey, where are your manners? Go help the s

less shrug, more t

ne

oritative. "Let her stay. She is my future sist

nd Jordin stared, stunned that he would intervene on Bailey's behalf. A qu

back at him. "How though

orr, while Jordin tried far too hard to sound intelligent about his recent corporate acquisiti

ipped her black coffee, and treated the billiona

igning excitement. "Dorr, there's a massive charity gala at the Beaumon

nts were old money-the kind of elite circle the Morrows were

utely no one there," Ilene added dismissively, si

intending to excuse herself, when her

D read: Elea

d smoothly, standing up

oor shut behind her to block out her family's prying

umont crackled through the speaker. "I need you at the estate this weekend. The event

ing a sudden fainting spell outside a chaotic art gallery, staying with her until the paramedics arrived. Since tha

event planner," Ba

take no for an answer, Bailey. I n

lented, shaking her

en and stepped back into the di

feigned apology and a gentle expression. "Sorry, Jordin. I won't be able to

ene's jaw practically unhinged, and Jord

r eyes met Dorr's one last time, catching

ce light. "It was an experience

ked out, leaving the suffocating room