his voice booming through the ballroom, "presen

d. The whispers died, replaced by a collective, expectant silence. They were wa

dr app

intake of breath swe

-red silk that was tailored to her body with breathtaking precision. It was sophisticated, not provocative, hinting at a power and grace that no one ha

ace stood a woman of immense poise and confid

lief and pure, unadulterated fury. Jemal's jaw went slack, his eyes wide as he stared, captivated by a beauty in Al

xandr, and for the first time that night, a flicker of warmth-of profound, undisguised admiration-appea

. Her calm gaze swept over the crowd, meeting their stares without flinchin

ness one might reserve for a piece of furniture. Th

eartbeat, the world faded

ost imperceptible nod. A silent

e touched Braxton

the staircase, and the w

she we

she's s

brittle, painted-on thing. "What is this, Alexandr?" she hissed,

just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "The dress you sent was beautiful! But... there was a little prob

like a shrew for even asking. Before Claire could formulate a repl

ice carrying an air of light tragedy. "It was a lovely

ubtly exposed Claire for trying to humiliate her with a past-se

ad been outmaneuvered, publicly and brilliantly. The game had