the air, a new voice cut through

ve we here? A family

of Jessica, a protective gesture. His tailored suit and easy char

ith concern, loud enough for everyone to hear. He took her hand. "D

is expression hardening in

is pathetic.

erstanding between their families, the one he' d so easily

s voice laced with contempt. "Dragging your father's nam

g her eyes. "Oh, Ethan, thank you

hen you' re feeling more yourself." Then, her voice firmed, addressing the governor' s security who were now hes

as clear: confine

uniformed guard approached

ed away, the ceremonial check still cl

child to be

d, his jaw tight. "T

ip surprisingly strong. "Y

was a shock, a clear me

hes from Sarah' s, her voice a veno

ne believes you. You' ve ruined any cha

pression shifting to one of public anguish. "Oh

dy primed, murmu

aving to deal wi

r all Governor Thomp

learly di

ssica is a saint to put up with you, Sarah! She' s kind, generous, every

rasp, a surge of adrenaline coursing t

to another? Or perhaps you' re just hoping some of that 'gener

a stern-faced woman in the crowd, shot her a

d towards the stage. "Miss Miller, please! The Governor is on his

isten to Mr. Peterson. For your own good. I can' t help you

e oversized check, the symbol of her fa

at the back of the

ar

ng through the suddenly silent room. He stro