"Sister, don’t take offense," Riley murmured, a smug smile tugging at her lips. "You haven’t attended public events in over a year. Naturally, people get confused."
"If you spent more time with Vernon, this wouldn’t happen again."
I had no patience for her veiled jabs. Ignoring her, I excused myself, my body still fragile from the miscarriage. Fatigue clung to me like a heavy shroud, and I needed a moment to rest.
I had barely closed my eyes when a strange presence stirred near me.
A sudden chill skittered down my spine.
I jolted awake, my breath catching as I found a man unbuttoning my dress.
Panic surged through me. Heart pounding, I shoved him away, my hands trembling as I yanked my collar back into place.
My voice, sharp with fury, sliced through the air.
"Who the hell are you? What do you think you’re doing?"
The man smirked, his gaze narrowing. "Aren’t you the one who signaled me to come?"
"I don’t even know you. Why the hell would I call you over?"
He didn’t seem deterred. "But you gave me a look and handed me this note."
The man pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, holding it out toward me.