Grace paused before continuing, "Do you know why the Etheridge family took us in, but not you?"


    "It''s not just because my dad once saved Uncle''s life. There''s another reason: because we''re clean. We''re the daughters of a hero. But you? You''re the daughter of a mistress-someone who was never acknowledged, not even at the end."


    "Shut up!"


    Isabel''s temper red. She was about to jump to her feet and p Grace across the face.


    But something stopped her. She forced down her anger, drew in a long breath, and fixed Grace with a cold, unblinking stare.


    "I get it now, Grace. You''re trying to provoke me. But I see right through you. I''m not going to give you what you want."


    Grace smiled at her, but there was something unsettling about that smile-it sent a chill through Isabel.


    Grace gave Isabel''s shoulder a heavy pat. "Don''t get so worked up. Just looking out for a friend, that''s all."


    With that, Grace turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Isabel utterly baffled by her behavior.


    "Tomorrow''s thepany retreat! We''re all heading out to thatkeside resort nearby. I can''t wait," Shirley gushed to Effie.


    "I seriously love thispany. Other ces do their team-building on the weekend, but ours does it on a workday-so after it''s over, we get to enjoy our whole weekend at home," Shirley said, practically bouncing with excitement. "Who wouldn''t love that?"


    She gave Effie a mischievous look. "Well, Miss Bagnold, are you excited? I heard the executive office is joining us this time."


    Effie knew exactly what Shirley was getting at.


    She shot her a side-eye. "No idea. Should I be?"


    Shirley grinned. "Oh, I think you''re looking forward to it."


    Just then, amotion erupted at the entrance to the design department. Something was going on.


    Effie headed over to see what the fuss was about, just as a tall man waved her over.


    "Maurice?"


    So that''s what all the excitement


    was about-Maurice had arrived et


    and the news had spread. People from other departments were gathering, eager to catch a glimpse.


    Maurice grinned at Effie. "Surprised to see me? Is it a nice surprise?"


    Effieughed. "What are you doing here all of a sudden? You didn''t even give me a heads-up."


    He shrugged yfully. "That''s the whole point-it''s a surprise!"


    "Are you sure you''re not here to give me a heart attack?" Effie teased.


    Maurice joined in herughter. "Pretty sure it''s a good surprise."


    "I came to ask you to design some jewelry for me-does that count as a surprise?"


    Effie nced at her watch. "You know it''s after hours now, right? You trying to make me work overtime?"


    He justughed. "How about I buy you dinner to make up for it?"


    Effie grinned. "Deal."


    Just then, Shirley cleared her throat, catching Effie''s attention.


    Effie turned, only to see all her coworkers staring at her, eyes wide and sparkling


    with anticipation. Their collective gaze said it all.


    Effie knew exactly what they


    wanted every woman in the office was dying for Maurice''s autograph, and


    the men were either hoping for one themselves or nning to get it for a friend.


    She shot Maurice a hopeful look. "So... all my colleagues here are


    huge fans. Would you mind t


    photo with everyone? Maybe sign a few autographs?"