The Thorne Annual Charity Gala put the city’s richest people in one ballroom and gave them a reason to applaud themselves. I used to dread it. This year, I arrived early.
Julian was working the ballroom as if the hospital had never happened. Chloe stood on his arm in emerald silk, her pregnancy impossible to miss.
Pinned to her dress was the Thorne Sapphire Brooch. For generations, only the wives of the family’s main line had worn it. Julian had given Chloe a title the family had never offered her.
Julian saw me, and his smile slipped. Chloe’s widened. She touched the brooch to make sure I noticed.
Later, she followed me into the marble and gold powder room.
“Serena.” She studied herself in the mirror and stroked the sapphire. “I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I suppose some wo
