scaded over her skin, a futile attempt to extinguish the fire burning withi

to remove an invisible stain. A faint red m

rom the bathroom. She was shivering, but she didn't k

picked up her phone. The screen was

her boyfriend

er stomach. She dialed his numb

bedroom door was thrown open. Collette

e?" Collette's voice was sharp. "Yo

ion blank. The silence was more

go and apologize to Mr. Quinn right now and beg for his forgiveness,

card-Joe Quinn-and laughed. "I'

ther is counting on Mr. Quinn's investment. If you

tte was right. Her father, Robert

g downstairs. The butler's voice fo

re. Was he here for her? A slive

getting she was only in a tow

twisted smile on her face. "Don't be i

nd ran to the railing

t in his tailored suit. And standing b

ging to Jase's arm, her head resting on his

air left her lungs. A cold numbness spread t

. There was no guilt in hi

tive smile spread across her face. She de

oken expression. "Now do you understand?" she said, her v

palms, the pain the only

e laughing, talking, as if she were no

again before leading Farr

zzle clicked into place. The champagne.

heme. It was a betrayal orchestrated

eezed her heart, s

e railing and walked si

it, her body shaking with violent, silen

ew no one in this hou

cast cold, indifferent

y all swirled together, hardening