Vince's voice rang out clear and strong, instantly drawing every gaze in the ballroom.

Even Larkin looked up, his clouded eyes sharpening with interest.

For a few seconds, the room fell silent, the low hum of conversation vanishing as everyone took in the scene. Then, a curious voice piped up, "Whose daughter is that? I've never seen her before-she's stunning."

"Absolutely. She's got such grace, too. Do you think she's Vince's girlfriend?"

Sallie's face soured at once. "Would you all stop speculating?"

She might not care for Jessica herself, but that didn't mean she'd let anyone imply Jessica was attached to another man-Jessica was still Timothy's wife, after all.

Vince turned to Jessica, polite as ever. "Come with me, let's go greet my grandfather."

was something so familiar about her —an echo he couldn't place. It wasn't just because of her grandmother,

Larkin

saw his kindly face and, with a small

before Larkin, then stepped aside, signaling to a servant

public, spoke up for her. "Grandfather, this is the birthday present

entered the ballroom. He didn't come over right away, instead joining Mr. Smith near

Smith; he and his mother had arrived at the

serene presence, she seemed to quiet the very air around her-and her beauty, even in a room full

and Vince are close-do you know if that

interest in Mr. Smith's eyes,

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