Regret Came Too Late

At precisely 7:00 pm, Grace arrived at the entrance of the charity gala with an invitation in hand.

As she stepped out of the car, she noticed Jodie, who was dressed to the nines.

Jodie didn't expect to run into Grace here, as she thought Grace wouldn't have an invitation.

Grace didn't greet her. She handed her invitation to a staff member and walked inside with poise.

She was wearing a more understated look tonight-a black sequin skirt with a mermaid silhouette paired with a silk blouse that cinched at her waist.

Jodie stood still for a moment. Instead of storming off to cause Grace trouble, she called Yancey.

"Are you sure you don't want to come, Yancey? I just saw Grace at the gala," she said.

Something unreadable flickered in Yancey's gaze before a small smile tugged at his lips.

"I'm on my way. Jodie, leave her alone."

It seemed like every man on earth was under Grace's spell, and that was what Jodie hated the most.

She smiled insincerely. "Of course."

After hanging up the call, her gaze turned icy as she looked toward where Grace

had gone. Then, she called her bodyguard.

would make sure Grace was utterly

was a picture-perfect gala-flashing lights, clinking glasses, and scents of perfume

being in a place

her, exchanging knowing glances

had spent years hopelessly devoted to Yancey, had finally won

of the evening when a woman she didn't recognize walked up to her with a glass in

"Grace Lambert?"

had no

take offense at that. She drew a sharp breath and remarked,

to her-she had seen this woman in some old industry. background

her for what happened to Eleanor

a jab in public wasn't

her glass and hurled the wine straight

She sidestepped in time just

the wine hit

everyone's attention snapped toward

stunned. "Jodie,

wonder Daphne had come at Grace. Clearly, it

her gaze fixed on

away, ready