his voice booming through the ballroom, "presen
d. The whispers died, replaced by a collective, expectant silence. They were wa
dr app
intake of breath swe
-red silk that was tailored to her body with breathtaking precision. It was sophisticated, not provocative, hinting at a power and grace that no one ha
ace stood a woman of immense poise and confid
lief and pure, unadulterated fury. Jemal's jaw went slack, his eyes wide as he stared, captivated by a beauty in Al
xandr, and for the first time that night, a flicker of warmth-of profound, undisguised admiration-appea
. Her calm gaze swept over the crowd, meeting their stares without flinchin
ness one might reserve for a piece of furniture. Th
eartbeat, the world faded
ost imperceptible nod. A silent
e touched Braxton
the staircase, and the w
she we
she's s
brittle, painted-on thing. "What is this, Alexandr?" she hissed,
just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "The dress you sent was beautiful! But... there was a little prob
like a shrew for even asking. Before Claire could formulate a repl
ice carrying an air of light tragedy. "It was a lovely
ubtly exposed Claire for trying to humiliate her with a past-se
ad been outmaneuvered, publicly and brilliantly. The game had
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