But Jane’sshes fluttered, and a few tears welled up in those sparkling eyes. “My family fell on hard times. My father made some bad investments, and we lost everything. Debtors came and took all that we had, including my father’s knees. They shattered them with baseball bats, leaving him crippled. He… He killed himself, and left me destitute with my mother.”
My lips parted, but Jane continued, “Sophia showered me with money and clothes and jewelry–all the things I had once loved as a socialite that were now taken from me. I know how it sounds, of course, but you have to understand that I grew up in thep of luxury, and to suddenly have the rug ripped out from under me was—”
“Jarring,” I finished.
She nodded. “But, eventually, Sophia’s schemes became more aggressive. They went from teasing you at parties and plotting little acts of cruelty against you to much, much more. Like trying to physically harm you.”
My throat tightened at that. I remembered those days all too well.
“I eventually decided that it wasn’t worth it, and I left her circle,” Jane said. “And, well, you know the rest. Sophia is still in prison, correct?”
“For a while longer, yes,” Alexander replied.
Jane looked strangely relieved. “Good. That’s good. She’s dangerous.” She turned to me again. “And you, E… I’m d everything worked out for you in the end. And I’m so sorry that she did all of those awful things to you.”
The very reminder of what Sophia had done made my body tremble with the memories. I gripped the edge of the nearby table, suddenly feeling another dizzy spell wash over me. Noticing my difort, Alexander caught my elbow. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m…” I tried to answer, but the words wouldn’te. I began to sway on my feet, and I pressed my hand to my forehead, shutting my eyes against the suddenly spinning room.
Alexander cursed under his breath and gently guided me over to a chair. I heard him saying something to Jane, but couldn’t make it out over the rush of blood through my ears. But a momentter, I felt something cool press against my lips, and I opened my eyes to find Jane gently giving me a sip of water.
My instinct was to pull away, but I sipped the water anyway. Soon, the dizzy spell subsided.
“Sorry,” I said once I was able to talk. “I had… a long day. I’m just tired.”
Alexander’s jaw ticked. I could tell that he knew it really had something to do with my appointment<b>, </b>but I didn’t want to worry him. Besides, it was just blood work.
After that, the night actually went very smoothly. I was still a little wary about Jane, but she did seem nice enough, and I figured that if Alexander was genuinely considering her for the advisor position, then he must have a good reason for it.
I stayed by Alexander’s side for the rest of the night. We mingled and ate, drank andughed. The night went well, and soon, ten o’clock struck. It was time for my closing speech, so I took the envelope containing the donation numbers and climbed <b>the </b>stage, leaning into the microphone.
“Thank you all foring tonight,” I said, smiling at the crowd. will now present the donation amount, and award the top contributors with the lovely outfits on disy tonight.”
The crowd murmured, ncing over at the cases containing Anya’s beautiful creations. Anya<b>, </b>standing beside them<b>, </b>beamed at me and sped her hands together.
I tore the envelope open and pulled out the card within. My heart sank, though, as I read off the amount we’d raised tonight<b>; </b><b>it </b>was far less than what we’d hoped for. Our goal had been fifty thousand, and we had only raised twenty–five. Even the crowd whispered when I <b>read </b>it aloud.
Still<b>, </b>the show must go on<b>, </b>so I kept a smile stered on my face, thanked the donors, and awarded three outfits to fourth<b>, </b><b>third</b>, and second <b>ce</b>. The winners seemed thrilled to receive their <b>outfits</b>.
“And now,<b>” </b>I said, “for the top contributor of the night…”
My heart stopped in my chest as I read the name printed there.
No. No, it couldn’t be. That didn’t make any sense!
“Richard Eden… of Stormhollow Pack.”
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<strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.