eeting Callie in co

e caught red-handed. Or perhaps at Callie and Ethan's engagement party, where Nyla

ver with Callie delibe

ehind this? But Ethan's gaze remained locke

a way of pull

her voice cold. "Hello.

and she liked Callie even less. Call

st coming to meet you. I hope that's all right," Callie replied, her voice soft and syrupy, the kin

ing. I'm just an

who was all too e

han's gaze on her-sharp, teasing. She met his eye

oice cut through the air. "Let's go. Don

"We'll head in, then. Would you li

to admit. Last night, Ethan had been so close-so possessive h

win the Best Actor award, and Nyla would gladly be

plied, "No thanks. I don't feel comf

y. Behind her, the sleek Maybach sped off, its icy wind b

-not here, not at the

ead across more than seven thousand square feet. It was the largest private r

arrived, the room was already packed. Her eyes immediately found Ethan, standing

rbingly at ease w

? Didn't I tell you

ed beside Nyla in a black gown and whit

ed the way Vicki had shed her real sel

roved over the crowd. Faces turned her way, some barely hidin

to a whisper. "If you listened to Ryland and made connecti

re in such a rush, feel free to

ancing around nervously. The last thing

la retorted. "Unless you w

Nyla slipped away and found an empty corner, determined to

e, the peace

you feeling out of place?" Callie's sugary voice ra