Chapter 0269

No sooner had we all sat down, then Terry stretched his arm across the back of my chair. He leaned into me enough to whisper, “Should we make those two brothers jealous, Piper?” He reached up, snatched a loose strand of my hair, and tucked it behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek.

I wanted to turn my entire body inside out to get away from that touch. “I think we should just focus on dinner.”

“Is that any way to treat the man who controls your entire future?” Terry asked.

I gave him a confused look.

His smile added teeth. “You had a poor showing at your last event, didn’t you? I know how important this one is to you and your standing. To dear little Elva, who is always so sickly. You want to stay in the contest, yes? To keep her healthy and happy?”

My stomach churned in disgust. I hated that he was right. I wanted to pull away, but I couldn’t. Not yet.

“Uncle,” Julian said sharply. “The cameras are waiting for your introductory speech. Unless you want me to cover for you…”

twitched. Julian hit him where it hurt. Terry would never miss an opportunity to steal the limelight. His arm retracted from my cheek. His other moved away from my chair as he rose to address the

me this evening. I have followed the

event to be judged, I hope you will each find the time to enjoy yourself while you are here. There’s no

I did my best to avoid his gaze without

lifted his

The taste of champagne wasn’t as good as I

to drink

second courses arrived with minimal issue. Terry engaged several of his nearby guests without paying me much attention. It was only as the entre arrived, after Terry bit in,

steak is to die for.” He speared a piece of the meat and held his fork out

attention of several nearby candidates and the cameras. The candidates gave

the face. I might as well show myself out now for how much standing I would lose, being rude to

stomach, ignoring the way disgust swirled within it,

closed my eyes, and accepted the bite

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