For a moment, Blayne hesitated under her gaze, unable to meet her eyes.
“Forget it, Blayne,” Valerie said gently. “Terri is still young, and there are so many people around today. If it really bothers you, I can change into a long-sleeved gown later to cover it up. It’s not a big deal.
“Today is an important day for the Holzmans. Let’s not ruin it over something so trivial.”
She stepped forward to take Blayne’s hand, playing the understanding, considerate one.
With that movement, her bruised wrist was suddenly and unmistakably exposed—whether by accident or on purpose, it was hard to tell.
Seeing the purple marks on her skin, the momentary softness in Blayne’s heart hardened again.
His almond eyes narrowed, brimming with undisguised contempt and disgust. “Oh, Terri, you really don’t know what’s good for you. Keeping you far away was the right choice.
“A woman like you, so consumed by jealousy that you’d even go after your own sister—I have no idea what my grandfather ever saw in you. If it were up to me, not even if you begged would I let you have a single thing from the Holzmans.”
The words cut deep.