Regret Came Too Late

With that, Jodie turned and walked away.

This wasn't like Jodie at all. She had always hated Grace-so why pull her punches now, when she had the perfect chance?

A flicker of unease rose in Grace's chest. Then, Daphne's voice rang out, sharp and mocking.

"I still don't get how someone like you has the nerve to show up here."

Jodie might have stepped aside, but Daphne wasn't going to. She marched up, arm swinging as Grace's hand shot out and caught her wrist.

Daphne's temper flared-only then did she realize how strong Grace really was. She couldn't even break free.

"Let go of me, Grace! Or I swear I'll call my brother!"

Surprisingly, Grace did let go, but Daphne had pulled so hard that she stumbled back and landed flat on the floor.

She was wearing a gown with a wide hem, so the fall was anything but subtle.

Her cheeks burned with shame as she wobbled to her feet, glaring at Grace while people nearby whispered behind their hands.

She felt completely humiliated.

crowd, and

why didn't

turned to look, and there

suit, looking every bit like a showy peacock, and

give Grace a lesson,

the

Simon

his eyes. There

Deneath Julian's

way

even when

a curt reply. "Sort it out

ét

Simon's biological sister-just a distant branch of the Yule family. Acting close with him wasjust her way of trying to lose the

Simon just to

at an event this big, Simon hadn't lifted a finger

upper floor, Jodie watched with a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. She hadn't changed her dress yet,

leaned toward a waiter and whispered