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

was dressed in a pale lavender suit, looking every bit like a showy peacock, and right beside

prepared to give Grace

the point of meddling in women's

Simon

his eyes. There

Deneath Julian's

way

even when things got

a frown, he shot Daphne a curt reply. "Sort it

ét

branch of the Yule family. Acting

to Simon just to keep

this big, Simon hadn't lifted a

changed her dress yet, but seeing the resentment on Daphne's face was enough to