Vince''s voice rang out clear and strong, instantly drawing every gaze in the ballroom.


    Even Larkin looked up, his clouded eyes sharpening with interest.


    For a few seconds, the room fell silent, the low hum of conversation vanishing as everyone took in the scene. Then, a curious voice piped up, "Whose daughter is that? I''ve never seen her before-she''s stunning."


    "Absolutely. She''s got such grace, too. Do you think she''s Vince''s girlfriend?"


    Sallie''s face soured at once. "Would you all stop specting?"


    She might not care for Jessica herself, but that didn''t mean she''d let anyone imply Jessica was attached to another man-Jessica was still Timothy''s wife, after all.


    Vince turned to Jessica, polite as ever. "Come with me, let''s go greet my grandfather."


    Larkin kept his eyes fixed on Jessica. There was something so familiar about her —an echo he couldn''t ce. It wasn''t just because of her grandmother, though that thought did cross his mind. In the end, he shrugged it off. Maybe that really was all there was to it.


    "Come here, dear," Larkin called, beckoning Jessica over.


    Jessica saw his kindly face and, with a small nod, followed Vince across the room.


    She offered a gentle, respectful curtsy before Larkin, then stepped aside, signaling to a servant to bring forward her birthday gift.


    Vince, knowing Jessica preferred not to speak in public, spoke up for her. "Grandfather, this is the birthday present Jessica prepared for you."


    Just then, Timothy entered the ballroom. He didn''te over right away, instead joining Mr. Smith near the far wall, the two men deep in conversation.


    The call Timothy had answered earlier had been from Mr. Smith; he and his mother had arrived at the manor earlier that afternoon, so Timothy hade in with them.


    Mr. Smith quickly noticed Jessica. With her calm, serene presence, she seemed to quiet the very air around her-and her beauty, even in a room full of society''s best, was impossible to miss.


    Mr. Smith turned to Timothy, curiosity lighting his face. "Tim, you and Vince are close-do you know if that lovely young woman is his girlfriend?"


    Timothy caught the spark of interest in Mr. Smith''s eyes, and his expression turned chilly.


    He''d spotted Jessica the moment he walked in. That familiar, delicate silhouette was impossible to miss. And now, with Mr. Smith''s attention so keenly fixed on her, Timothy''s mood soured further. His voice dropped to a low, dark tone. "She isn''t."


    "Wonderful," Mr. Smith said, his eyes brightening. "I really like her. I think I''ll introduce myself."


    He lifted his ss, already moving toward Jessica.


    Timothy caught his arm in a swift, firm grip.


    He knew that if he let Mr. Smith go, the man would march right over, confess his feelings, and probably even attempt that ridiculous European cheek-kiss greeting. "Tim, what''s gotten into you?" Mr. Smith protested, confusion clear on his sharply handsome face. "Don''t hold me back. A girl like that is bound to attract plenty of admirers. It''s rare for me to feel so drawn to someone-I have to tell her how I feel."


    Timothy''s jaw clenched. His voice was nearly a growl. "Don''t make a scene. She''s my wife."


    "Your wife?" Mr. Smith''s shock was palpable. "I never heard you''d gotten married! Or are you just saying that because you''re interested in her, too? Tim, you don''t have to do this. We canpete fairly. I''d never let a womane between our friendship."