Chapter 29

Audrey’s POV

I didn’t bother answering but studied Laurel’s face, partially hidden behind the bandages. The placement seemed deliberate, strategie VOR – CONTROL | enough to suggest injury while still allowing her to display her delicate, fragile face. A Hollywood star indeed.

*Please…” Laurel’s voice trembled with practiced vulnerability as she pressed one manicured hand to her chest. “If Mrs. Parker says she didn’t do it, then. – let’s not pursue this further. I don’t want to cause any more trouble…”

I almost admired her performance, as her words and every deliberate action were implying that I was the one who slapped her last night.

The security footage will show exactly what happened,” I said, my voice steady despite the burning pain in my stomach. ‘Why don’t we review it?

Elizabeth cleared her throat delicately. “Actually, the surveillance system in the ballroom was turned off during the celebration. Many of New York’s elite attended – they value their privacy highly.”

How convenient, I thought, watching Thalia’s momentary flash of relief.

voice rose sharply, perhaps a bit too quickly. “Who else would have hit Laurel? A Hollywood star with a spotless reputation why would anyone

carrying a hint of cold amusement. “Do you really think you can freely accuse me just because there’s no security footage

Laurel. “Anyway. You have

like concern. “Laurel’s health has always been delicate,” he said, his voice softening in a way it never did for

an eyebrow, meeting his dark gaze as a sardonic smile played at my lips. “Are you really going to twist the

Rose?”

Blake had actually witnessed me strike Laurel, he would have confronted me instantly – he’d never have waited for his mother and sister to play defenders of Laurel’s honor. His silence now spoke volumes. He knew exactly who had struck her, but acknowledging

had grown too accustomed to his betrayals, because his words didn’t pierce my heart the way they once would have. After years of collecting disappointments, my heart

I walked deliberately toward Laurel, who shrank back against

out and yanked the gauze from her

floor. “I’ve lost quite a bit of weight recently. My fingers are quite thin now.” I held up my palm for comparison, then

burying her face

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