relatively good terms with Eleonore - none other tha

of fake laughter and air kisses, she stood

was holding court besi

nore said, handing her

of silk was an antique sapphire necklace, a breathtaking piece of Edwardian craftsmanship. "Oh my God, El, it's st

ifted over, their eyes scanni

one of them asked with a smirk

mile. "He's running late." Her aloofness

tir at the entrance ann

his arm was a woman in a

irst

ver their imm

eonore, standing alone by

led Vanessa toward the group

asp rippled th

ncing a new

ife is still stan

.

ming in her soft brown eyes. She extended a delicate hand. "

Eleonore's face. "It's rather interest

d Eleonore as the understudy

lips, one that never reached her eyes. "Miss Cole, resemblance is oft

k back against Preston's side. "I didn't mean it that way. I was only rem

a glare full of reproach. "Vanessa is our gues

them. "So uncalled for." "

neck. "Izzy, that necklace! Is that the 'Star of the Seine'?" she exclaimed. "I saw

one leaned in, scrutinizing the piece around Isabelle's neck. Isabelle's own smi

perfectly pitched for everyone nearby to hear. "Oh, Eleonore, you shouldn

and unmistakable. Eleonore

ned from gossip

good, but not nearly good enough

ard to fit in

fying for

n. They had already judged and convicted her. In their world, she was an out

eart still hoped he would stand up for her. He had been right beside her when she bid o

t. He did not defend her. He did not utter a single word to silence those people. Instead, h

this? Apologize to Isabelle

se - he simply didn't care enough to learn the truth. In the courtro

er very soul. In a room full of people she had once c

essa, eyes demanding her surrender. And the last trace of warmth in

cry. She d

sm

Whether it's real or not, Preston - you