her voice icy. "I'm starving

With a pointed nod from Joshua, the en

ious, "Joshua, what the hell is happening? That little bitch-she

e of pity. "At least Bella knows how to behave. She's sweet, refi

ly one who could develop that drug, do you think I'd put up with t

ay for this. Once the wedding's over, she's mine to handle however

hed with ruth

n, delight sparking in her gaze as she

ming dishes, setting the tab

arm, cheerful faces, pretending th

de. She addressed Joshua. "I barely slept last night. I

to play the considerate fiancé. "I'l

epping foot in the car where he had been intimat

re's no need. You're always swamped

concerned for him. He tried to drape an arm across her shoulders,

ne right now-endless meetings, wedding prep, the guest list...

to read. A beat passed before she spoke, her tone su

ting away. "Envy? Why w

Daniela let out a wistful sigh. "That ring she's flaunting online?

y heart into it, and it's still not mine. Your family treats me like I'm just passing

leeting moment, suspicion gnawed at

ol, unwavering stare

affair with Bella, she would be rai

ious of Bella. T

for turning their relationsh

t? You're the brains behind all of it. My parents just have their

hiding the fact he had zero i

h, there's no reason to drag this out. I expect those ownership transfer doc

sing out on Bella's diamond ring and pampered life. But if I can't even hold on to

expressio

ut, leaving him reeling in silence. "I'll look forward to your

He knew all too well-she was worth far mo

Clark family, then let them rot in th

.

y's most illustrious pharmaceutical gala, the

ly, been hand-delivered by

h a small fortune-gleamed at her throat. Even behind a delicate masquerade mask,

uests whispered i

e? I've never seen

That's the Stewar

ewarts! Her brothers basically run the ci

ela scanned the room until her gaze landed on Josh

lawless-but her dress, Daniela noted with f

background: an unremarkable foreign college, a

as a woman of means and sty

about to drag her into

time, savoring the

the table in front of her, its surf

wlessly put-together in a dark suit, every line of him carved with q

e crossed her eyes b

her side since childhood-h

ut now he was here, unmistakable under the dim, golden lights-sharp jaw, preda

osture tightened. Her voice slipped out, cool and edged with mockery

trust a drink

he spi

a sly, almost dangerous

tangled together. Now she act

the untouched wine glass away and traced her line of sight to Joshua,

n murmured, "Still letting e

d him, express

or barbed remarks-it seemed

long do your girlfriends usually survive, A

taken aback.

composure. "Well, after kissing that mouth of your

out a bitt

glinting with dan

h a baffled look. "Seriousl

. "Daniela Stewart... you're a piece of work. Now that you