Regret Came Too Late

With that, Jodie turned and walked away.

This wasn't like Jodie at all. She had always hated Grace-so why pull her punches now, when she had the perfect chance?

A flicker of unease rose in Grace's chest. Then, Daphne's voice rang out, sharp and mocking.

"I still don't get how someone like you has the nerve to show up here."

Jodie might have stepped aside, but Daphne wasn't going to. She marched up, arm swinging as Grace's hand shot out and caught her wrist.

Daphne's temper flared-only then did she realize how strong Grace really was. She couldn't even break free.

"Let go of me, Grace! Or I swear I'll call my brother!"

Surprisingly, Grace did let go, but Daphne had pulled so hard that she stumbled back and landed flat on the floor.

She was wearing a gown with a wide hem, so the fall was anything but subtle.

Her cheeks burned with shame as she wobbled to her feet, glaring at Grace while people nearby whispered behind their hands.

She felt completely humiliated.

Her eyes searched the crowd, and suddenly welled up with tears.

why didn't you

look, and there stood

every bit like a showy peacock, and right

darkened as he prepared to give Grace a lesson, but Julian tugged on

the point of meddling in women's

Simon

eyes.

Deneath Julian's

a way

when things

Daphne a curt

ét

biological sister-just a distant branch of the Yule family. Acting close with him wasjust

up to Simon just

at an event this big, Simon hadn't lifted a finger to

her lips. She hadn't changed her dress yet, but seeing the resentment on Daphne's