The ballroom was glowing beneath enormous crystal chandeliers when Claire sat alone beside the wall.
She wore an elegant champagne-colored evening dress.
Around her, wealthy guests laughed, danced, and raised glasses beneath the golden lights.
But Claire kept her eyes lowered.
Then Daniel Hale approached.
Young, handsome, and dressed in a perfect black tuxedo, he stopped beside her chair.
Claire looked up.
Daniel smiled.
Why are you sitting here alone?
Claire tried to smile back.
I just needed a minute.
Daniel glanced toward the dance floor.
Come with me.
Claire shook her head.
Not tonight.
His smile faded slightly.
Still thinking about him?
Claire looked away.
That was enough of an answer.
Daniel crouched slightly beside her.
You know he isnt worth this.
Claire’s eyes filled with tears.
You dont understand.
Before Daniel could respond, someone appeared behind him.
An older man dressed completely in black.
Robert Carter.
Claire saw him.
Her expression changed instantly.
Daniel turned.
Robert looked directly at Claire.
Then he extended one hand toward her.
Come with me.
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