Harper was worried about Silas and was not in the mood to go to the ball, but Stella had put so much effort into it that Harper felt embarra*sed to reject her. After getting ready at home, Harper changed into a champagne-colored evening gown that was not too extravagant but still formal. She then grabbed her bag and drove to Royal Hotel.

In the banquet hall, men and women in suits and dresses stood in groups of two or three, holding gla*ses of red wine and chatting with smiles on their faces in ...