She Played the Long Game

club, a sprawling estate of manicured lawns and old money. Ellie had insisted, for L

emed to scream her victory. It was almost identical in style to the one

xcited, ran to Richa

id, producing an enormous, lavishly wrapped gift. Lily, captivated by the glitter, thanked her. Ellie watched,

not even trying to

ounger. And she l

orced a smile, focusing

elatives, even attempting to direct the party staff. She offered Li

sweetie," Chloe sa

now the rules." She took the plate from Chloe.

s. Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the entrance. A rough-

ur father owes me

rd, trying to control the situation, b

m his pocket. A box cut

led, grabbing the n

to Lily' s throa

shielding her daughter with her own body. The man, startled, swu

over, but his eyes, when they met Ellie' s, were cold, a

eeding arm with something like distaste before his attention

us solely on Lily. "Are yo

er tight, relief washing over her, so potent it

the victim. "Oh, Richard, it was horr

al with her own injury and a traumatized child. The club manager insisted Ellie go