The door swung open again.
A tall man in a black coat strode in, his steps quick.
Every eye in the hall turned to him at once.
Julian's groomsmen were the first to laugh. "You scared me. I thought someone was actually here to steal the bride."
Then someone recognized him. The laughter died.
"Ethan... Ethan Sterling?"
"The Ethan Sterling? Of the Sterling family?"
Julian's expression shifted instantly. Of course he knew who Ethan was.
The Hayes family had spent six months trying to land a partnership with him. They had submitted proposals three times in person. They never even got a glimpse of his face.
And now, Ethan Sterling was walking straight toward me. He stopped in front of me.
"Clara Quinn." His voice was low, but it silenced the entire hall. "Sorry, I'm late."
I looked at
