From Shadow Dad to Empire Heir

nge c

e ballroom. They hung in the air, sharp and

o murmur. Laughter, low and mocking,

eered. "Trying to latch on

ace a mask of pure, uncomprehending heartbreak. He

his chest. His congenital heart defect. The doctor had warne

through the people who wer

d rolled to a stop, lightly bumping against

at the model with disgust. "Get

Caleb. A sharp, deliberate kick to m

shrieked, pointing a finger at

ncern. "Sabrina, you must handle this. This is a malicio

trage to me, her eyes filled with a terrifying fury. She was

nd her hand came up fast. The slap cracked acros

"You bring this misbehaving child here to ruin the mos

use. A crunch of wood and glue, the sound of Cale

d saw his gift destroyed. A small, guttural sound escaped h

yelled, trying to sco

nal, moved to block me. They grabb

ne of them grunted, trying

strength, crawled toward his mother. He

, his breath shallow. "Don't.

k on his face. "Admit it. You' re a

other's cold, unforgiving face. He saw no help t

le cheeks. To save me, he

oice barely audible

body going limp, his face t