That was the truth.

I came for my friend.

Blaine chose the rest.

Part 3 – The Man Who Should Have Stepped Aside

I was returning from the terrace when Blaine noticed me near the champagne tower.

His eyes narrowed first, then brightened with the cruel pleasure of a man finding an audience before finding a conscience. He stepped directly into the path of my wheelchair, forcing me to stop as several groomsmen gathered beside him.

“Well, look who managed to roll into high society after all,” he said loudly enough for nearby investors to turn. “Celeste Warren, my former wife, still chasing rooms where she hopes someone important will feel sorry for her.”

A few men laughed.