bChapter /b360

Judd dressed without hurry, emerging from the room as if the earlier incident hadn’t fazed him at all. “You needed to see me?”

“There’s a wee party for the Rayburn family tomorrow night. Are you nning toe?”

He paused, a hint of a smile flickering at the corners of his mouth. “Do you want me to?”

She shrugged. “That’s up to you, isn’t it? You happen to be in The Capital and it’d be rude not to invite you.”

His smile faded just a little, eyes intent. “There’ll be a lot of people there, I suppose. Aren’t you worried the Howards will gossip if I show up?”

Charlotteughed. “Honestly, Genevieve’s probably the only Howard

who’ll bother toe. The others wouldn’t dare. And Genevieve’s been

talking about me behind my back for years. If I don’t care, why should you?”

“Alright.” He looked down at her, his voice low. “I’ll be there.”

Night fell quickly.

Loretta slipped out the front door, ncing around as if she didn’t want to be seen. Not long after, she returned, clutching a small box wrapped in a mesh bag.

She crept through the garden, scanning the shadows, making sure no one was watching, before darting back inside.

From behind the rock garden, Julian stepped out, silently watching her disappear into the house.

He headed up to Wesley’s room, reporting everything he’d seen.

Wesley was flippingzily through a book, but at the mention of a box, he looked up. “What kind of box?”

Julian replied, “It was wrapped in mesh, pretty tightly. Feels like there’s

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13:06

something alive inside.”

“So that’s her y for tomorrow,” Wesley said, snapping the book shut. “Go check the security feeds outside. See where she came from. If there were any unfamiliar cars, try to get the tes.”

“Understood.” Julian nodded and left the room.

The next day, the wee party was held in the vi’s garden. During the day, Sean had spared no expense, hiring a professional outdoor event team to transform the grounds.

Chefs from a top city hotelid out avish buffet–wine flowed, the tables groaned under gourmet dishes, everything from prime rib to fresh oysters and caviar.

Anyone could see Sean was sparing nothing for the daughter he’d lost and just found again.

By sundown, guests began to arrive in waves. The garden was soon filled with an array of socialites and old friends–mostly wealthy businessmen Sean had known from his early days in The Capital.

Genevieve swept into the garden in a pale pink gown, the full skirt billowing like a blossom. She worece gloves and clutched a pearl–studded handbag, her whole look polished and picture–perfect.

Most eyes in the crowd turned admiringly toward her, but Genevieve barely registered thepliments. Her expression shifted abruptly.

Because suddenly, everyone’s attention had been drawn away–by another woman.

Charlotte, in a delicate mint–green evening dress, seemed to personify effortless beauty. The gown entuated every curve: slim waist, graceful lines, not a single detail out of ce.

“Who is that?” someone whispered. “She’s stunning.”

“No kidding. Absolutely my type.”

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b13:07 /b

“I’ve never seen any of the city’s socialites look half as good as her.”

Genevieve’s face darkened; she bit her lip hard.

What was Charlotte doing here?

Charlotte drifted through the crowd with a ss of wine, her walk made mesmerizing by her heels–elegant, confident, every movement drawing nces her way.

A young trust–fund heir finally summoned up the nerve to approach her, but before Charlotte could respond, Genevieve swept up beside them. “That’s my sister–inwi,/ii” /ishe announced loudly. “She’s not even divorced and already out here looking for her next catch. You all better watch yourselves.”

Sister–inw to Miss Howard?

That meant-

The young man’s courage vanished. Of all the people to identally cross, the Howard family was the very worst.

Charlotte took a sip of wine, smirking. “So now you’re willing to admit I’m your sister–inw?”

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