A sudden tightness pressed against my chest, heavy and airless. I turned and left the banquet hall. The open deck was empty. The sea wind struck my face, and for a moment it loosened the weight sitting on my ribs.
I leaned against the railing, staring out at the endless dark water.
Behind me, the sharp click of heels on the deck broke the silence.
"Sister, what are you doing out here all alone?"
That familiar voice, threaded with light mockery, dragged me back. I turned. I didn't answer. I only watched her.
Hazel Ashford didn't seem to mind. She walked toward me, unhurried, and lifted her chin, looking me over from head to toe.
"Sister, don't you think you're pathetic?"
Her tone was casual, almost offhand, but every word cut.
"When we were little, you tried so hard to win our parents' love, and they only ever loved me. When the time came to divide the inheritance, they wouldn't give you a single coin. Then you chased after my mate, and he didn't want you either. As for Sylvia Vale, he was good to you, I'll grant that. But he's dead now."