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For the first time since everything fell apart, I don’t feel rage or humiliation. I just feel sorry for all of us.

They’re both watching me now, braced for an explosion that isn’t coming. I let out a slow breath and let my gaze drift down to her dress.

“You should know that dress makes you look even shorter than you are,” I say, voice calm and even. “You’d look better in something that falls just above the knee.”

Heidi blinks, caught off guard. Max’s shoulders relax just a fraction.

“Grace, I’m so sorry,” Heidi says, her voice cracking. “I never meant for any of this to happen.”

Max starts apologizing too, earnest and awkward, still holding her hand.

And it hits me, with startling clarity, that I really don’t care about these people.

“Look,” I say, cutting them off and gesturing at the blood on Max’s shirt, “I don’t know what kind of fashion statement you’re going for, but it’s not working. Good luck with everything.”

I turn and walk away.

The next hour drags by in slow motion.

Charles has barely glanced in my direction. He’s turned his back to me almost the entire time. I’ve already polished off three glasses of champagne, but the bubbles aren’t doing much to fill this hollow ache in my chest.

Across the room, Dad keeps shooting me sharp, warning glances—behave yourself—like I’m a naughty child who might ruin his big night.

One more glass of champagne and I just might.

I still can’t quite believe my father basically sold me to Charles. The worst part is, I’m not even shocked anymore. Disappointed? Yes. Humiliated? Absolutely. But shocked? No. Dad always gets what he wants, one way or another.

I scan the crowd again, telling myself I’m not looking for anyone in particular.

I’m not. I just thought Drew would be here. Keeping an eye on things. But there’s been no sign of him. Not one. What if something actually happens tonight? What if I’m sitting here in real danger and he simply…doesn’t care anymore?

The thought stings more than it should.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I slip my phone from my clutch.

Grace: So much for professionalism

Grace: You didn’t even show up

Grace: Someone could literally MURDER me in this room and you’d have no idea

BEST COCK EVER: Charles is there. Protecting you is his job now. You might need to remind him you’re here though

So he is here. I scan the ballroom again, pulse kicking harder than it should, but I still can’t spot him anywhere.

Grace: Where are you?

Three dots appear. Disappear. Then come back again.

BEST COCK EVER: You made your choice

A second later, another message appears.

BEST COCK EVER: Leave me the fuck alone.

My throat goes tight.

That comment from the forum keeps replaying in my head. The one that made me slam my laptop shut because it hit way too close to something I didn’t want to look at.