white marble vanity. It skidded past Kinsley's glass pe

sharp, jerky movements. "Get dressed. The family needs you there. I d

He stood tall and demanding, used to dictating t

e the world," she said calmly, slippi

dark possessiveness crossing his gaze

networking. You are Mrs. Decker. Bein

smoothed down the front of her knit sweater, and met his gaze throu

. I'l

een in the study, but found only blank compliance. He gave a

e Long Island estate wearing a minimalist black silk gown. Sh

how many nights Kinsley had waited up for Christian, cooking his favorite meals only to throw them away. Seeing Christian casually trample on Kinsley's career for Blair made Mar

e car roaring toward Manhattan. Her grip

stripped your name off the list? That man is out of his mind. You ghost-directed his sister

ghts reflecting across the East River. "Julian is finalizing the

rin finally breakin

t them ch

lass doors as photographers crowded the entrance. Kinsley stepped out, linked her arm w

ntending to find a quiet corner, when a ripple of murm

ned toward

Armani tuxedo. On his arm was Blair, draped in an off-the

hion-cut Ceylon sapphire pendant surrounded by diamonds, passe

e ballroom rose li

the Decker

d wearing it? W

is standing rig

s forearm so hard her

brought her wearing your mother-in-law's neck

re," Kin

ectly steady against the cold glass of her champagne f

f his head vanished, replaced by an instinctive, guarded pause. For a fraction of a second, his icy blue eyes darkened, tr

softly and clutched Christian's lapel, pressing herself tigh

ed, loud enough for nearby socialites to hear. "She's goin

e felt dozens of cameras tracking them. "I authorized it

hrough the crowd, her heels rhythmic and unhurried. The guests parted ins

foot of the stairs,

his hand tightening

on't make a

er champagne glass toward Blair, and smile

ng clearly across the quiet circle of guests. "Counterfeits alw

and flew to her throat, covering the

w could you

ian snarled under his breath, ste

lance. She turned smoothly toward

nsley said evenly. "Let's get

ing on the steps, surrounded by the shar