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.

searched the crowd, and

didn't you do

look, and there

in a pale lavender suit, looking every bit like a showy peacock, and

darkened as he prepared to give Grace a lesson, but Julian tugged on his

the point of meddling

Simon

eyes. There

Deneath Julian's

way

even when things got

frown, he shot Daphne a curt reply. "Sort it out

ét

family. Acting close with him wasjust her way of trying

had been sucking it up to Simon just to keep herself known in the

an event this big, Simon

changed her dress yet, but seeing

toward a waiter and whispered