Mag-log inAlmost imperceptibly.But I saw it.Because I was looking for it.“Yes.”Her smile tightened.“I saw that online.”Of course she had.“I came to see it for myself.”“And?”The question left my lips softly.Yet somehow her shoulders stiffened.Interesting.Mirabel glanced around.Then back at me.“It seems that even after all this…”Her gaze swept over my dress.The jewelry.The mask.The success.“…you still couldn’t get over your ex-husband.”There it was.The real reason she approached.“Are you two planning to get back together?”Behind me, I could practically feel Ford’s anger.Pierce wasn’t doing much better.Before either could speak, I turned toward them.“Can you take Camille around?”Camille blinked.“What?”“Introduce her to people.”I smiled.“Maybe the movie industry.”Pierce immediately understood.Ford did too.This wasn’t a request.It was damage control.Because if they stayed, someone would be getting thrown off the yacht.Pierce looked at Mirabel.Then at me.Then no
For a second, I forgot how to breathe.Humiliation.Betrayal.The divorce papers.The day I realised Dominic had always chosen her.Every memory crashed into me at once.I almost felt dizzy.Almost.Then reality returned.Five years.It had been five years.I wasn’t that woman anymore.I wasn’t the woman who built her entire world around a man.And I certainly wasn’t about to let Mirabel Murphy walk into a room and reduce me back into that person.Slowly, I straightened my back.Lifted my chin.Smoothed every trace of emotion from my face.Then took a slow sip of champagne.The bubbles burned slightly against my tongue.“Aurelia…”Dominic’s voice came quietly beside me.His hand brushed my shoulder.I ignored him.Completely.Instead, I turned toward Camille.“Let’s take a walk around.”Camille looked between Dominic and me.Then nodded.“Okay.”We started walking.I could feel Dominic’s eyes on my back.I refused to acknowledge it.Beside me, Camille kept glancing in my direction.Ev
I took a slow sip of champagne.And somehow still not enough to distract me from the fact that Dominic Kings was standing somewhere behind half the people in this room.Beside me, Camille shifted slightly.“You want to walk to the other side?” she asked.I glanced at her.“Why?”She lifted one shoulder.“You seem uncomfortable.”I immediately shook my head.“No.”My answer came faster than necessary.“I’m fine here.”Camille studied me.I ignored it.“There’s no reason for me to run away every time I see him.”Her brows lifted slightly.Then she nodded.“Okay.”Several seconds passed.The orchestra shifted into another piece.People continued laughing.And then a hand landed briefly on my shoulder.I turned automatically.Before I could react, Hayes stepped in front of me.His gaze swept across the room once.Twice.Like he was searching for something.Or someone.“You good?” he asked.I blinked.Then raised a brow.“Yes?”His eyes narrowed slightly.Just slightly.“I just wanted to m
The moment we stepped fully inside, I understood why people talked about Royal Tides all year.The yacht was ridiculous.Not in a flashy, tasteless way.In a way that made you realize somebody had spent an obscene amount of money making sure every single detail looked perfect.Golden light spilled from crystal chandeliers suspended above the massive hall.A curved glass staircase wound upward toward the second deck.Music drifted through the air from a live orchestra positioned near one side of the room.Waiters moved effortlessly through the crowd, carrying silver trays filled with champagne and appetizers that looked expensive.Beyond the glass walls, the Thames reflected hundreds of city lights.The dark water glittered beneath the night sky.For a second, even I had to stop and look around.Beside me, Camille’s mouth fell open.“Oh my God.”I laughed.She turned slowly.Then slowly turned again.Then looked upward.Then toward the balcony.Then toward the staircase.Then toward a
The day of the Royal Tides had finally arrived.The last two weeks passed by with ups and downs.Not only was I working for my fashion week, but also the media was working overtime talking about the Sterlings.About how the Sterlings helped in putting Richard and Kash in jail.What was their motive?Was it because of their past rival history?So many speculations but that’s the internet for you.Camille was delighted when we told her that she would be attending the Royal Tides with us. She was very thankful for the opportunity.I felt so happy seeing her reaction.Now, we were both in my room while getting dressed for the night.Getting our makeup done.And I was grateful to have someone—a girl—to be with, rather than just my annoying brothers.As much as I hated parties like this, I would be able to feel more comfortable with Camille by my side.The room buzzed with quiet activity.Makeup brushes moved across skin.Hair tools clicked and hummed.Garment bags hung from the wardrobe do
For the first time in weeks, the atmosphere inside the mansion felt lighter.Not peaceful.Not yet.But lighter.Like everyone was holding their breath a little less.The trial had consumed everything.Every conversation.Every headline.Every day brought another article.Another report.Another piece of evidence.Another disaster for the Ashford family.By the time the final hearing arrived, almost nobody believed Richard Ashford would walk away untouched.Not even Richard himself.The courthouse was surrounded by reporters.News vans.Cameras.Journalists.People crowded behind barricades.Everyone wanted to witness the fall of a man who had spent decades building a perfect image.I stood beside Hayes as we walked inside.Ford was ahead of us.Pierce beside Camille.And Camille—Camille looked calm.Strangely calm.Her shoulders were straight.Her chin lifted.Her eyes clear.No fear.No hesitation.Just quiet determination.I glanced at her.She caught me looking and smiled.My che







