Julian looked at her without a trace of warmth.
"When the gala is over, we'll settle everything that happened tonight."
Vanessa turned white as paper.
Derek stiffened too.
The ballroom became so quiet that you could hear a needle drop.
Vanessa stood in the middle of the crowd, utterly bloodless.
The people who had mocked me earlier lowered their heads, barely daring to breathe.
The charity auction resumed.
The auctioneer returned to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's auction is raising funds in honor of Mrs. Cross's new film, Homeward. We will now continue."
Julian lifted Rocky with one arm and took my hand with the other.
His palm was cool, but his grip was steady.
He looked toward the stage.
"Go on."
Only then did the auctioneer begin to speak.
"O-Of course.
"Our
