The woman's outfit at the masquerade ball was a showstopper—over-the-top and dazzling. But what really caught everyone's eye was the mask—a masterpiece of luxury and drama. It swallowed up most of her face, leaving just a tantalizing peek of her crimson lips. As she made her way down the stairs, clutching her gown like it might bite her, it was painfully obvious she was in over her head—one misstep away from disaster.
Vanessa froze, her hand suspended in mid-air, her face drained of all color. She was floored—Henry had just publicly humiliated her, and in front of everyone, no less. And that woman! When Vanessa's gaze fell on the clumsy woman fumbling her way down the stairs, she couldn't fathom what Henry saw in her. She was a complete mess—who trips over their own dress?!
Vanessa's che
