As soon as Liz helped Jane with the bracelet, Jane pouted slightly and asked, “You just got here. Why are you leaving already?”


    “You’ve got a lot going on tonight, and I don’t really know anyone else here. I’d just be bored sticking around.”


    Jane thought about it for a second, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s n somethingter, just the two of us.”


    “Sounds good. You enjoy the party. I’ll head out now.”


    Liz left the second floor, weaving through the crowd in the main hall and making her way toward the back entrance.


    Just as she passed the garden pavilion, Zac stepped out and blocked her path.


    His expression was ice cold, his eyes burning with anger as he stared at her.


    Liz frowned, confused by his sudden appearance. “Is there a problem?”


    “Liz, what’s going on between you and Jack Stone?”


    The irritation in his voice was obvious. The memory of Jack throwing his jacket over her shoulders and standing up for her at the party had been gnawing at him ever since.


    Zac had told himself he didn’t care about Liz anymore. But seeing her protected by another man like that–wrapped in someone else’s jacket–had stirred something ugly inside him.


    He had nearly marched over and ripped the jacket off her himself. Thankfully, he managed to hold back and avoid making a scene in front of everyone.


    Still, his voice came out sharp and using.


    Liz almostughed at how ridiculous he sounded.


    “And what does that have to do with you?”


    Zac’s eyes narrowed, his expression full of irritation. “You can act out all you want, but I’m warning you–stay away from Jack Stone. He’s not someone you can afford to mess with.”


    Catching the impatience in his voice, Liz let out a softugh.


    “Rx. No matter who I choose to mess with, it won’t be you. And whether I can handle someone or not, that’s my business. You’re just an ex. Don’t you think you’re getting a little too involved?”


    Zac’s face turnedpletely dark. His re was so sharp it looked like he could burn a hole right through her.


    Liz didn’t bother with another word. She brushed past him and walked away.


    *


    Out front, at the entrance to the estate, a matte ck G–Wagon had just reversed straight into a pink car parked nearby. The sound of the crash wasn’t loud, but the damage was obvious. The passenger–side door had arge, freshly dented crater in it.


    Uncle Zeller, the chauffeur, froze for a split second, then hurried to the driver’s side of the


    G–Wagon.


    “Mr. Sanders, you just hit someone’s car!”


    The G–Wagon’s window rolled down, revealing the sharp, elegant face of William. He looked unbothered, even a little pleased.


    “I know.”


    He had done it on purpose.


    “What do we do now? I’m pretty sure the owner’s inside at the party. Should I leave a number?”


    “No need. I’ll wait right here. You go ahead and take a cab home.”


    “Wait–should I ask Mr. Stone to send a driver for you instead? I can stay and wait for the


    car owner.”


    William tapped the steering wheel with his fingers, his voice cool andced with impatience. “Just <i>go</i><i>. </i>Why are you still talking?


    “Alright, I’ll head out. But if anything happens, call me-”


    Before he could finish saying “call me,” William cut him off. “Got it. Uncle Zeller, are you going through menopause or something? You’ve been extra chattytely.”


    Uncle Zeller was rendered speechless.


    As the cab pulled away, Uncle Zeller couldn’t help but wonder.


    William was usually an excellent driver. The parking space had been more than wide enough. So how did he still manage to hit the car?


    Thinking it over, the only exnation that made sense was that he must have been distracted.


    A few minutester, Liz reached the side lot where her car was parked.


    From a distance, she noticed a ck car sitting oddly close to her vehicle. As she


    approached, her heart dropped.


    The passenger–side door of her beloved car had a huge dent in it.


    She rushed over, her expression tightening as she inspected the damage. The door was badly warped. It would definitely need to be reced.


    Just then, driver’s door of the ck G–Wagon opened, and a tall, lean figure stepped out.


    A deep, maic voice sounded behind her.


    “Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention while reversing. I hit your car by ident.”